Highlight HEALTH

As much as 70% of all cancers are preventable through diet and lifestyle [1]. Cancer is the leading cause of death in the U.S. for people between the ages of 45 and 74, taking more than 550,000 lives a year. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 20% of all cancer cases are related to obesity [2]. Highlight HEALTH is taking this opportunity to provide information about choosing healthy lifestyle alternatives to reduce your risks for developing cancer.

Cancer prevention basics
Up to two-thirds of cancers may be prevented through healthy lifestyle changes. A healthy diet and regular exercise are two important prevention tools. Research has shown that eating more fruits and vegetables greatly lowers your risk of developing several cancers, including lung, mouth, esophagus, stomach and colon [3]. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), regular physical activity reduces the risk of breast, colon and possibly other cancers, and also reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It has been suggested that adoption of an active lifestyle could reduce all-cause cancer rates by as much as 46% [3].

Today, more cancers can be successfully treated if they are detected early. Regular screenings can help detect many cancers in the earliest stages, when they can be treated successfully.

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