TWO VIEWS : Battle Cancer With Diet, Exercise

This year, more than 1 million Americans will discover they have cancer, according to projections by the American Cancer Society. Besides regular check-ups, what are the best preventive measures? Diet and physical activity are both important, countless studies suggest.

Here are some ways to be sure your diet and your workout routine are helping to minimize cancer risk.

Gail Frank, professor of nutrition, Cal State Long Beach, and American Dietetic Assn. spokeswoman, suggests eating wisely.

“We think as much as 65% of the risk factors for cancer are related to behavior--including, of course, nutrition. To reduce risk, eat fiber. It allows substances to move more quickly through your system and keeps the gastrointestinal tract healthy. Watch fat intake and don’t go overboard on polyunsaturated fats. Your goal should be to eat only 25% or 30% of calories from fat. If you have a family history of cancer, strive for 25%.

“Get adequate amounts of Vitamins A and C. Both are important to keep cells and tissues healthy and to combat toxic insults.

“Watch how you prepare food. Barbecue only occasionally. Use smoked or cured products sparingly. Don’t eat processed lunch meat every day.

“Be aware that saccharin can be harmful if used frequently and in large amounts. Consume alcohol moderately, if at all.”

Patricia Brill, exercise physiologist and research associate, Institute for Aerobics Research, Dallas, suggests keeping active.

“There are only a few studies out on exercise and cancer prevention, but our studies show those people who move into moderate and high fitness levels reduce their cancer risk. In our study published in 1990, men and women in the lowest fitness groups were at higher risk of dying from cancer than those in higher fitness groups.

“If you are sedentary, become more active. As long as you progress from sedentary to physically active and incorporate physical activity into your daily routine--taking the stairs, for instance--you are probably doing something to reduce risk.

“People who exercise also tend to eat a healthier, lower-fat diet, and that has been linked with reduced risk of cancers of the colon and breast.”