LONDON, April 6 (UPI) -- Making five lifestyle changes could substantially reduce the rate of colorectal cancer in Britain -- particularly among men -- researchers said.
Donald Maxwell Parkin of Cancer Research United Kingdom Centre for Epidemiology, Mathematics, and Statistics in London said the researchers sought to estimate how recommended lifestyle changes could affect the predicted incidence of colorectal cancer in the United Kingdom during the next 24 years.
Based on published studies, the researchers made projections to estimate how lifestyle changes would affect future rates of colorectal cancer. They suggest:
-- No more than 80 grams, or 2.8 ounces, to 90 grams, or 3.2 ounces, of red and processed meat per day.
-- Eating at least fives serving daily of fruit and vegetables.
-- Exercise at least 30 minutes five or more days per week.
-- No more than 21 units per week of alcohol for men, or 15 units for women. One unit of alcohol is about a half a pint of beer or a small glass of wine.
-- Overweight and obesity rates should be reduced to rates of 20 years ago.
The findings, published in the May issue of The European Journal of Cancer Prevention, said the new projections suggest healthy changes in diet, exercise, alcohol use and body weight could reduce the rate of colorectal cancer in Britain by about 26 percent.
