Study: Excess weight increases cancer risk

WASHINGTON, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- A major study released in Washington Wednesday found excess body weight increases the risk of six cancers.

The report by the American Institute for Cancer Research and the World Cancer Research Fund involved nine independent teams of scientists from around the world, hundreds of peer reviewers and 21 international experts who analyzed more than 7,000 large-scale studies.

The report said carrying excess body fat increases risk for cancer of the esophagus, pancreas, colon, kidney and endometrium, as well as post-menopausal breast cancer. The report recommends people stay within the healthy weight range -- 18.5 to 25 on the body mass index chart -- for life.

To prevent cancer, the report recommends:

-- Be as lean as possible within the normal range of body weight.

-- Be physically active daily.

-- Limit consumption of energy-dense foods; avoid sugary drinks.

-- Eat mostly foods of plant origin.

-- Limit intake of red meat; avoid processed meat.

-- Limit alcoholic drinks.

-- Limit consumption of salt; avoid moldy cereals (grains) or pulses (legumes).

-- Aim to meet nutritional needs through diet alone.

-- Breastfeed children.

-- Do not smoke or chew tobacco.

The report is available at the Web site: http://www.dietandcancerreport.org.