K-State professor researches how to reduce cancer risk

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Source: George Wang, 785-532-0153, e-mail: wwang@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Jessica Clark, 785-532-6415

Thursday, September 26, 2002

K-STATE NUTRITION PROFESSOR SAYS IMPROVING DIET AND INCORPORATING EXERCISE INTO LIFESTYLE IMPORTANT IN REDUCING CANCER RISK

MANHATTAN -- A Kansas State University professor says reducing your risk for cancer includes some common pieces of advice -- incorporate a healthy diet and moderate exercise into your daily life.

George Wang, assistant professor of human nutrition, researches the effects of calorie restriction and exercise on cancer risk through maintaining a healthy body weight. He says eating foods low in calorie and fat content and increasing activity level are the two most important steps in reducing cancer risk.

"There are two major factors in a person's risk for cancer. One is genetics and the other is environment. When examining a person's environment, up to 80 percent is associated with diet," Wang said.

Some chemicals in plants Wang says are beneficial are lignans in whole grains, isoflavons in soy products, flavonoids in vegetables and fruits, resveratrol in grapes and wines and lycopen in tomatoes.

"This is why vegetables and fruits are so important in reducing risk for cancer. They contain less calories and more helpful chemicals to aid our bodies," Wang said.

Wang does not recommend adding supplements to the diet. "The doses of supplements are much higher than those in our diets, making it possible to ingest a pharmacological amount with supplements, " Wang said.

"What is known is that by reducing calorie intake and increasing activity level to maintain a healthy body weight, people can live longer lives while reducing the risk not only for cancer, but also for heart disease, diabetes and other diseases."