How Diet and Activity Affect Risk for Some Cancers

Experts from the American Cancer Society create and update nutrition guidelines based on current scientific evidence that relates cancer risk to diet and nutrition.

Annually, 500,000 cancer-related deaths occur. The evidence suggests about one-third of these deaths are related to the food we eat. Another third is due to cigarette smoking. For the majority of Americans who do not smoke, dietary choices and physical activity are important ways a person can decrease their risk of cancer.