There's no such thing as a diet that prevents cancer because diet is only one of many factors in this complex disease. However, there are ways to reduce your risk. Nutrition Diva has 5 of the most important things you can do (Surprise: Eating organic isn't one of them!)
As a society, we have a great fear of cancer—and it’s not hard to see why. Virtually every one of us has been touched by this disease. Most of us know survivors. Some of us are survivors. Many of us have lost people to the disease as well. When you're afraid, the feeling that you can take control of the situation can be very comforting.
Why midlife? Well, as the authors wrote, “Positive changes during this phase of life have the potential to prevent cancer incidence later in life, making this phase an opportune time for targeted prevention efforts to facilitate healthy aging and increased longevity.” But I think the recommendations outlined in their report make sense at any age.
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.
I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.
If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.