WILLISTON — It is documented that the majority of New Year’s resolutions fail and most do so early in the year, but if your resolution involves improving nutrition and increasing your level of physical activity, the American Cancer Society is urging you to stick it out to reduce your cancer risk.
According to the Society, more than half a million Americans will die of cancer in 2016, but about one-third of cancers are linked to poor diet, physical inactivity and carrying too much weight.
Getting to and staying at a healthy weight is important to reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of several cancers, including those of the breast (in women past menopause), colon and rectum, endometrium (the lining of the uterus), esophagus, pancreas and kidney, among others.
Being overweight can increase cancer risk in many ways. One of the main ways is that excess weight causes the body to produce and circulate more estrogen and insulin, hormones that can stimulate cancer growth.
The latest recommendations for adults call for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity each week, or an equivalent combination, preferably spread throughout the week. It’s also important to limit sedentary behavior such as sitting, lying down, watching television, or other forms of screen-based entertainment.
The American Cancer Society offers multiple opportunities to train for and participate in challenging physical endeavors while supporting the lifesaving mission of the Society, including its annual Pedal to End Cancer, a three-hour indoor cycling event hosted at health clubs across New England; Bicycles Battling Cancer, a one-day scenic bike ride through central Massachusetts with three different course routes to attract all levels of experience; Hope on the Slopes, a ski and ride event at Jay Peak Resort; and Relay For Life Nordic Style at Catamount Outdoor Family Center in Williston, the only winter Relay in the world. Visit cancer.org/getinvolved for a list of events near you.
For more information on reducing cancer risk through proper nutrition and adequate physical activity or athletic events or for free, 24-hour expert cancer information and connections to programs and services, visit cancer.org or call 800-227-2345.