STOPPING CANCER BEFORE IT STARTS

Basic recommendations for generally healthier living through diet, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments. The American Institute for Cancer Research conducts a large variety of research and educational programs, most all of them operating from the basic premise that cancer is preventable. Their figures indicate that 14 percent of all cancers occur because of genetic and related risk factors, 9 percent from environmental risk factors, and a whopping 77 percent from lifestyle risk factors (tobacco use alone accounts for 30 percent of the whole). After explaining this starting viewpoint (and some would certainly argue that it is an oversimplification to suggest that these cancers can therefore be prevented), the authors guide readers in assessing their own lifestyles and accordant risks. The bulk of this guide is concerned with nutrition: a plant-based diet is recommended, along with vigorous exercise, and a caution to avoid being either under- or overweight. Menus and recipes are included; the authors do not recommend dietary supplements as helpful in reducing cancer risk.

Reinforcement of the standard good health recommendations, then, rearranged around lowering cancer risk. Useful advice, to be sure, but nothing startling or new.