WASHINGTON, DC – By the year 2050, the US Hispanic/Latino population is projected to triple, with nearly one in three U.S. residents classifying themselves as Hispanic/Latino, according to the US Census Bureau. This population growth will coincide with an increase in total US cancer cases.

There is now convincing evidence that many of those cancers don’t have to happen, say experts at the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR). During Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15), the cancer research charity is targeting Spanish-speaking audiences with its urgent, life-saving message.

"A recent AICR survey shows that about half of Hispanic-Americans are unaware that low body fat, diet, and physical activity can help prevent the most prevalent cancers,” said AICR Nutrition Communications Manager Alice Bender, M.S., R.D. "We see those same low numbers in the rest of the US population.

"The difference is, we can’t assume that health messages aimed at the general population will be heard by Spanish-speakers,” she continued. "We need to make an effort to reach out and really target our message to them.”

AICR offers free materials in Spanish that show how a healthy diet, physical activity, and staying a healthy weight can prevent about one-third of the most common cancers Hispanics face.

AICR Spanish-language materials address general cancer prevention, as well as targeting specific cancers common among Hispanics/Latinos.

Breast cancer is reportedly the most common cancer among Hispanic/Latino women. Yet a massive 2009 report by AICR estimated that 38 percent of breast cancer cases are preventable by maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, drinking less alcohol and breastfeeding their children.

All of the following brochures can be read, downloaded or ordered online at www.aicr.org.

AICR’s leaflet Reduzca Su Riesgo de Cáncer de Seno (Reducing Your Risk of Breast Cancer) offers clear information about the links between diet and breast cancer, the risk factors and answers frequently asked questions.

Reduzca Su Riesgo de Cáncer Colorrecta (Reducing Your Risk of Colorectal Cancer) focuses on the second most common cancer among Hispanic men and women. Colorectal cancer is associated with the most modifiable lifestyle factors than any of the other cancers studied. The report found that approximately 45 percent of colon cancer cases are preventable through diet, physical activity and weight maintenance.

AICR also offers a Spanish-language leaflet focusing on risk factors and prevention for the most common cancer among Hispanic men: prostate cancer.

"Adopting a cancer fighting diet is as easy as filling 2/3 of your plate with vegetables, beans, fruits and whole grains, and 1/3 or less with fish, poultry or lean meat,” says Bender. "This New American Plate style of eating can be adapted to any cuisine, and along with at least 30 minutes of walking or moderate physical daily, can help maintain a healthy weight and prevent cancer.”

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The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) is the cancer charity that fosters research on the relationship of nutrition, physical activity and weight management to cancer risk, interprets the scientific literature and educates the public about the results. It has contributed more than $91 million for innovative research conducted at universities, hospitals and research centers across the country. AICR has published two landmark reports that interpret the accumulated research in the field, and is committed to a process of continuous review. AICR also provides a wide range of educational programs to help millions of Americans learn to make dietary changes for lower cancer risk. Its award-winning New American Plate program is presented in brochures, seminars and on its website, www.aicr.org. AICR is a member of the World Cancer Research Fund International.