Nutrition and physical activity
What we eat and drink may cause around 30 percent of cancers in industrialised countries.
There is convincing evidence that being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing some of the most common cancers.
There is convincing evidence that being regularly physically active (being active everyday) reduces the risk of developing some of the most common cancers.
It is likely that eating more fruit and vegetables will reduce the risk of developing some cancers. Choose plenty of vegetables and fruits in a variety of colours every day.
The guidelines for reducing cancer risk are the same as guidelines for cancer survivors, cardiovascular disease prevention, diabetes prevention as well as general good health.
No particular foods or eating patterns are guaranteed to prevent cancer; however, some foods and eating patterns can reduce your risk.
Nutrition and physical activity information sheets
- 10 Tips to Reduce Your Cancer Risk - Healthy Eating and Physical Activity
- Alcohol and Cancer Risk
- Beta-carotone and Cancer Risk
- Dairy Foods and Cancer Risk
- Folate and Reducing Cancer Risk
- Food and Chemicals
- Fibre, Wholegrain Cereals and Cancer Risk
- Fish Oils and Omega-3 and Cancer Risk
- Healthy Weight and Cancer Risk
- Meat and Cancer Risk
- Physical Activity and Cancer Risk
- Plastics and Cancer Risk
- Reducing your risk of bowel cancer
- Salt and Cancer Risk
- Tea and Cancer Risk
- Vegetables, Fruit and Cancer Risk
Resources
- MOH Eating for Healthy Adults Brochure
- Links to Other Agencies and Initiatives that Support Physical Activity and Nutrition
For further information contact
Health Promotion
Physical Activity and Nutrition
Level 6, Ranchhod Tower, 39 The Terrace
P.O. Box 651
Wellington 6011
Published Papers
- The importance of promoting physical activity for cancer survivorship
- Physical activity among cancer survivors, a literature review
The science behind our advice is based on the 2007 Second Expert Report by WCRF and AICR Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective and the Continuous Update Project (CUP), which looks at all the research available.
Last Updated: 17 March 2015