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. 2004 Dec;1(3):233-239.
doi: 10.1093/ecam/neh036. Epub 2004 Oct 6.

Prevention of Cancer Through Lifestyle Changes

R James Barnard

Prevention of Cancer Through Lifestyle Changes

R James Barnard. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2004 Dec.

Abstract

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the USA and an abundance of evidence suggests that lifestyle factors including smoking, the typical high-fat, refined-sugar diet and physical inactivity account for the majority of cancer. This review focuses on diet and inactivity as major factors for cancer promotion by inducing insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. Elevated levels of serum insulin impact on the liver primarily, increasing the production of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) while reducing the production of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1) resulting in stimulation of tumor cell growth and inhibition of apoptosis (programmed cell death). Adopting a diet low in fat and high in fiber-rich starch foods, which would also include an abundance of antioxidants, combined with regular aerobic exercise might control insulin resistance, reduce the resulting serum factors and thus reduce the risk for many different cancers commonly seen in the USA.

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Figures

<b>Figure 1</b>
Figure 1
A model showing steps in the development of cancer.
<b>Figure 2</b>
Figure 2
A model explaining the role of diet and a sedentary lifestyle in the development of prostate cancer [after Barnard et al. (30)].
<b>Figure 3</b>
Figure 3
A model explaining how a change in lifestyle to include a low-fat, high-fiber diet plus regular exercise might reduce the risk for cancer.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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