AN APPLE A DAY…
Most of us know that diet and lifestyle play an important part in our chances of developing heart disease - but few realise that these same factors influence our risk of cancer.
Many believe that cancer is down to genetics or bad luck but leading scientists, such as those at the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF UK), believe that diet and lifestyle play an ever-greater role.
In fact, scientists believe that as many as 30-40 per cent of cancer cases could be prevented by healthier food and lifestyle choices - such as taking regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and eating plenty of vegetables and fruit.
This is great news for everyone - and a healthy positive message WCRF UK is eager to spread.
There are a number of ways the charity does this - from talking to key health professionals such as dieticians and nutritionists to encouraging children to embark upon a healthy lifestyle.
COMPILING THE EVIDENCE
In 1997, along with other members of the WCRF global network, WCRF UK published an exhaustive review and analysis of the scientific evidence on food, nutrition and cancer based on thousands of research studies from around the world.
The report: Food, Nutrition and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective became a landmark reference for, and influence on, scientists, health professionals (such as dietitians, GPs and nurses) and policy makers all over the world and provided the basis for the fund’s cancer prevention guidelines.
Six years on, there is a wealth of new scientific evidence linking cancer with diet. As a result, the WCRF global network has made the commitment to publish a second report in 2006 taking into account the most recent findings.
It is a massive undertaking and the results will be made public giving individuals the most accurate and up-to-date information on steps they can take to reduce their risk of cancer. This is a vital project given that cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide and that the incidence of some types of cancer is rising at a worrying rate.
WHAT IS CANCER?
Cancer occurs everywhere in the world and in virtually every part of the body. One in three people will be affected by the disease at some point during their lifetime. But there is great hope - the latest research indicates that many cancers may be preventable.
Cancer is a complex group of diseases that arises as a result of the uncontrolled reproduction of a damaged cell within a tissue or organ. The diseased cells form a mass, or tumour, and can spread to other parts of the body.
A wide range of factors, including genetics and the environment play a role in the development of this disease. But we now know that it is the environmental factors - and lifestyle most of all - that have the strongest influence on cancer development.
This is good news because, provided we are prepared to make lifestyle changes, we can all take positive steps to help prevent cancer. This means that the greatest hope in the fight against cancer lies in prevention.
WCRF UK is the only national charity dedicated exclusively to cancer prevention through the promotion of a healthier lifestyle.
Since its establishment in 1990, WCRF UK has invested more than £8 million in scientific research into cancer prevention.
Its public education programmes are increasing awareness of the links between food, nutrition and cancer and encouraging people to take steps to reduce their risk of this disease. Its goal is simple - to prevent all the cancers it can in the UK and world-wide.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
The food and lifestyle habits that we have developed are likely to be ingrained over many years. But that does not mean we cannot make changes and develop new, healthier habits. Here are seven everyday tips for a healthier you from the WCRF UK guidelines for cancer prevention:
•Choose a diet rich in a variety of
plant-based foods
•Eat plenty of vegetables and fruit
•Maintain a healthy weight and be
physically active
•Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all
•Select foods low in fat and salt
•Prepare and store foods safely
•Do not smoke or use tobacco in
any form
For further advice or information about a healthier lifestyle visit: www.wcrf-uk.org or call WCRF UK on 020 7343 4205.
5-A-DAY
Leading health organisations, including WCRF UK and the World Health Organisation, recommend we eat at least five servings of vegetables and fruits every day. One portion of fruits counts as:
•1 large slice of melon or pineapple
•1 whole apple or banana
•2 whole plums or satsumas
•1 handful of raspberries or grapes
•1 full glass (150 ml) of pure orange or tomato juice (juice only counts as one portion per day, no matter how much you drink)
The 5-a-day target is for fruit and vegetables combined - so make sure you enjoy a good mix of both.
LET’S GET FRUITY!
This year a very special event is planned for May 14 - Fruity Friday. This day is dedicated to the joy and benefits of eating fruit.
From putting up one of our colourful Fruity Friday posters to organising your own fruit tastings or other fundraising event, anyone and everyone can get involved.
Fruity Friday is the highlight of WCRF UK’s Cancer Prevention Week, to be launched at the House of Commons on May 10.
And with media coverage at an all time high on diet and obesity, especially in children, there has never been a better time to get over the message that fruit and vegetables are a vital part of a healthy lifestyle.
WCRF UK is also encouraging its 250,000 supporters to join the fun, and with our researchers and partners in business taking part too, it should be a truly national event.
More information is available from: www.fruityfriday.org or email fruityfriday@wcrf.org for an information pack or contact Terri Strong on 020 7343 4200.
FRUITY FRIDAY FUNDRAISING TIPS
One simple idea is to display large bowls of enticing fruit in prominent places around the workplace - such as a reception area or staff room. Provide a donation box with a suggested price for each piece of fruit taken. Or host a fruit tea afternoon or a cocktail evening using exotic and tantalising fruits. You could organise a fruit raffle or a competition where participants have to guess how many pieces of fruit there are in large jar or basket. Or what about a fruit squeeze-athon?
There are lots of ways to raise money for WCRF UK's cancer prevention programmes and increase the fruit content of our diets - both excellent reasons for getting fresh and fruity on Fruity Friday. So what are you waiting for?
TOP FRUITY FRIDAY FACTS
These may be well-known to the fresh produce industry, but following are a selection of the facts that the WCRF will be relaying to consumers during its campaign.
•Fruit contains a wide range of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fibre and other bioactive compounds that are essential for keeping the body healthy
•Eating more fruit and vegetables is the second most effective way of reducing the risk of cancer, after not smoking
•There is good evidence that a diet rich in fruit and vegetables helps lower the risk of heart disease. Fruit and vegetables also help to protect against stroke, cataracts, high blood pressure and can benefit people with diabetes and asthma
•Fruit is nature’s fast food - easy to prepare and a great source of energy
•Fruit that is frozen, dried or tinned in its own juice with no added sugar is a good way of boosting 5-a-day intake. The same goes for vegetables.
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