Keep a healthy weight
Excess body fat is the second-largest preventable cause of cancer.
What studies found
Obesity ranks second only to tobacco among preventable U.S. causes. It is linked to higher risk of colorectal cancer and of dying from it, and being overweight or gaining weight as an adult raises breast cancer risk after menopause. For prostate cancer, the World Cancer Research Fund rates the link between excess weight and advanced disease as strong: about 8% higher risk of advanced prostate cancer and 11% higher risk of dying of it per 5 BMI units.
The catch
Waist size matters as well as weight.
What to do
Combine the plate pattern and regular activity. Ask your doctor whether weight-loss medicines suit you.
Sources
Rung 5 of 5, Established: Large randomized trials or overwhelming, consistent human evidence; reflected in major guidelines. How we score
Step by step
For the whole picture, from prevention and screening to treatment and life after, see the breast cancer, colorectal cancer and prostate cancer pages.
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