Shine OnDitch the doughnut, keep the coffee to ward off uterine cancer
Ladies, I have good and bad news for you.
Let's start with the bad news:
Your favourite snacks "probably" cause endometrial (aka uterine) cancer.
According to a report on endometrial cancer by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), a higher glycemic load — that is, a diet that causes quick and drastic spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels — most likely puts you at risk of endometrial cancer.
The greatest offenders? Think high-processed carbohydrate culprits such as cookies, cakes, breads and pasta. And according to the report, your cancer risk increases by 15 per cent for every 50 units of glycemic load per day.
These high-carb snacks have destructive effects on your blood glucose and insulin production, creating a potentially cancerous environment. The study's panel lead Elisa Bandera, MD, PhD, epidemiologist at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey suggests swapping refined carbs for more natural options.
"The bottom line is that not all carbohydrates are equal. For example, we want to choose whole grains instead of refined grains and generally a plant-based diet high in vegetables, fruit and beans, in moderate amounts that favor weight control," says Bandera.
And if you're carrying a few (or many) extra pounds, that risk increases. The report confirms that there is "convincing" evidence that greater body fatness — reflected by BMI, waist measurements and weight gain in adulthood — increases your risk of endometrial cancer.
"Weight gain from early adulthood to adulthood was also associated with increased risk, with an estimated 16 per cent increased risk per (11-pound) gain in weight," says Bandera.
Weight gain from early adulthood to adulthood was also associated with increased risk, with an estimated 16% increased risk per 5 kilogram [11 pounds] gain in weight. - See more at: http://blog.aicr.org/2013/09/11/talking-endometrial-cancer-prevention/#sthash.GbVmBEMk.dpuf
The link between obesity and endometrial cancer is the most consistent and strong association found in the nutrition and cancer literature. Obese women have more than double the risk of developing this type of cancer, compared to women who are lean. And the risk increases as BMI increases. Weight gain from early adulthood to adulthood was also associated with increased risk, with an estimated 16% increased risk per 5 kilogram [11 pounds] gain in weight. - See more at: http://blog.aicr.org/2013/09/11/talking-endometrial-cancer-prevention/#sthash.GbVmBEMk.dpuf
The link between obesity and endometrial cancer is the most consistent and strong association found in the nutrition and cancer literature. Obese women have more than double the risk of developing this type of cancer, compared to women who are lean. And the risk increases as BMI increases. Weight gain from early adulthood to adulthood was also associated with increased risk, with an estimated 16% increased risk per 5 kilogram [11 pounds] gain in weight. - See more at: http://blog.aicr.org/2013/09/11/talking-endometrial-cancer-prevention/#sthash.GbVmBEMk.dpuf
Now for the good news:
That same report states that coffee "probably" fights against endometrial cancer, thanks to its high levels of cancer-fighting antioxidants and ability to regulate insulin.
Drinking just one cup a day — caffeinated of decaffeinated — can reduce the risk of endometrial cancer by 7 per cent, the study claims.
And let's not forget about good old-fashioned diet and exercise.
According to the researchers, there would be a potential 59 per cent reduction in U.S. cases of endometrial cancer if women maintained a healthy weight and squeezed in 30 minutes of physical activity a day.
One of the reasons obesity can cause endometrial cancer is because fat cells secrete estrogen.
"There is a very, very strong and consistent association with obesity," Bandera tells NBC News. "Women who are obese have two to three times the rate of endometrial cancer. People who are more active regularly tend to have a decreased risk of endometrial cancer."
The bottom line? Try getting your coffee to-go and make it a "walking" coffee break — and be sure to ditch the donut.
