Cancer Prevention: Healthy Eating Important
Victoria Becker completed a Bachelor of Arts in “Online Editing” at the TH Köln and wrote a practical thesis at the Goethe-Institut Lithuania. She is currently studying media and communication sciences as a master at the University of Lund, Sweden, and writes for, among other things.
More about the experts All content is checked by medical journalists.A large number of cancer diseases in Germany can be traced back to an unhealthy lifestyle. Diet also plays a key role in the development of tumors. What should you look for in cancer prevention?
"Not so many have that on their radar, and the wrong diet is responsible for five to eight percent of new cases," says Susanne Weg-Remers, who heads the cancer information service at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ). A healthy, balanced diet can reduce the likelihood of developing one of the most common types of cancer, such as breast cancer or colon cancer.
National Cancer Prevention Week in the second edition
In Germany, almost 500,000 people are newly diagnosed with cancer every year, and the trend is rising. According to experts, a healthy lifestyle has a high preventive function. This could increase even further through better prevention research.
With the National Prevention Week, the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and the German Cancer Aid would like to draw attention to the great potential of cancer prevention. In 2019, the cooperation marked its beginning with a week under the motto "Prevention is feasible, Mr. Neighbor! Active against cancer". Each year the focus is on a different lifestyle factor that influences cancer risk. In 2020, the week from September 14th to 18th is dedicated to nutrition.
The partnership between the two organizations aims to motivate people to adopt a healthier lifestyle. However, those involved also want to promote the development of prevention programs for nationwide use in a joint research project, geared towards target groups.
Risk factor unhealthy diet
Diet is a risk factor for diseases of the intestine or breast, among other things, explains Weg-Remers. Obesity, for example, triggers cell growth due to inflammation in the body. According to the expert, there is a risk that cells will degenerate.
In addition to a calorie intake that exceeds the calories consumed, the consumption of meat and its preparation, which is harmful to health, also promote cancer. The consumption of red meat such as beef, pork, lamb and goat increases the risk of cancer, especially if it is cured or smoked. Seared meat or meat that has been charred on the grill contains carcinogenic substances.
Consumption of red and processed meat should not exceed 500 grams per week. Poultry and fish are safer. "Calorie traps" are not just soft drinks, but also fruit juices. "Better to drink water, tea or spritzers," recommends the doctor.
Cancer prevention tips
The World Health Organization's (WHO) European Code of Combat Cancer names other important building blocks such as smoke-free, regular exercise and as little alcohol as possible. You can find more useful tips on cancer prevention in our article "Cancer Prevention".
Conversely, this does not mean, of course, that cancer patients have always caused their illness themselves. There are many causes of cancer that are not always caused by known or avoidable risks, such as genetic predispositions. Even so, a healthy lifestyle is generally a good thing for health! (vb / dpa)
