American Institute for Cancer Research Applauds New Unified Dietary Guidelines

American Institute for Cancer Research
Friday, 18 June 1999

The President of the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) today commended the Unified Dietary Guidelines issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) at its conference in New York City on June 16, 1999. She noted that a single set of guidelines for food choices that help prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes as well as cancer is a tremendous benefit to the public.

"AICR has long believed that the dietary guidelines promoted by the various national health organizations were in fundamental agreement. The issuing of a single set of guidelines will help eliminate confusion among those striving to prevent illness through a healthy diet," said Marilyn Gentry, the Institute's CEO.

Beginning in 1994, AICR, in conjunction with its international affiliate the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), conducted a four-year review of scientific literature on the link between diet and cancer. A panel of 15 world-renowned scientists reviewed 4,500 studies. Their conclusions were published in the 670-page report, Food, Nutrition and the Prevention of Cancer, in 1997. In addition, the panel issued fourteen recommendations and six dietary guidelines based on its conclusions. Those dietary guidelines are:

1. Choose a diet rich in a variety of plant-based foods.
2. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruit.
3. Maintain a healthy weight and be physically active.
4. Drink alcohol only in moderation, if at all.
5. Select foods low in fat and salt.
6. Prepare and store food safely.
And always remember . . .
Do not use tobacco in any form.

In publishing the report, the AICR panel expressed its belief that "there is very little potential conflict between the panel's recommendations on cancer and those designed to prevent other diseases." Elsewhere the report stated that these guidelines "should contribute overall to . . . increased resistance to infectious diseases and the prevention of other chronic diseases."

"We regard the Unified Dietary Guidelines as an endorsement of AICR's own, and as corroboration that our guidelines help protect people against the chronic diseases that account for the most U.S. deaths," said Gentry. AICR is particularly gratified to see the emphasis placed by the Unified Dietary Guidelines upon "plant sources" as the foundation of a healthy diet, Gentry added. The consumption of a predominantly plant-based diet is the primary recommendation of the AICR panel. Evidence suggests that this change in eating pattern, when matched with regular physical exercise and the avoidance of tobacco, decreases cancer risk by as much as 70%.

Although the topic is raised in supporting documents, omission of reference to healthy weight and physical activity in the Unified Dietary Guidelines is perplexing, according to AICR scientists. Advice concerning dietary intake is usually accompanied by some reference to caloric expenditure since balance is essential to health. Similarly, the absence of any reference to alcohol consumption is noticeable. Although some studies suggest the health benefit of moderate alcohol consumption, no health organization recommends that people take up drinking. The majority recommend that those who do drink limit consumption to one or two drinks per day. There is sufficient consensus to formulate a guideline, according to AICR scientists.

Of greater concern is the variance between the Unified Dietary Guidelines and the current U.S. Dietary Guidelines, which many consider the nation's standard. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines and the educational programs they engendered have placed particular emphasis on reduction of fat consumption. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee is required by Federal law to recommend changes in U.S. Dietary Guidelines by the end of the year 2000. In comments submitted to this Committee, AICR has recommended changes that will indicate a shift in emphasis from reducing fat consumption to increasing consumption of vegetables and fruit.

"These changes would bring the government in sync with the health organizations. The result would be coherence among educational programs and a clear, sharp message for the public," said Gentry. The American Institute for Cancer Research is the only major cancer charity focusing exclusively on the link between diet and cancer. The Institute provides a wide range of consumer education programs that have helped millions of Americans learn to make changes for lower cancer risk. AICR also supports innovative research in cancer prevention and treatment at universities, hospitals and research centers across the U.S. The Institute has provided nearly $50 million in funding for research in diet, nutrition and cancer. AICR's Internet Web address is http://www.aicr.org.

For more information, or to contact American Institute for Cancer Research, see their website at: www.aicr.org