When you include the American Institute for Cancer Research in your estate plans, you make a major difference in the fight against cancer.

Corporate Champions who partner with the American Institute for Cancer Research stand at the forefront of the fight against cancer

40 Years of Progress: Transforming Cancer. Saving Lives.

The AICR Lifestyle & Cancer Symposium addresses the most current and consequential issues regarding diet, obesity, physical activity and cancer.

The Annual AICR Research Conference is the most authoritative source for information on diet, obesity, physical activity and cancer.

Cancer Update Program – unifying research on nutrition, physical activity and cancer.

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Whether you are a healthcare provider, a researcher, or just someone who wants to learn more about cancer prevention, we’re here to help.

Read real-life accounts of how AICR is changing lives through cancer prevention and survivorship.

We bring a detailed policy framework to our advocacy efforts, and provide lawmakers with the scientific evidence they need to achieve our objectives.

AICR champions research that increases understanding of the relationship between nutrition, lifestyle, and cancer.

Are you ready to make a difference? Join our team and help us advance research, improve cancer education and provide lifesaving resources.

AICR’s resources can help you navigate questions about nutrition and lifestyle, and empower you to advocate for your health.

Recommendation

Do Not Use Supplements for Cancer Prevention

Although supplements are popular, for cancer prevention, we recommend you meet your nutritional needs through diet alone.

There’s a lot of marketing out there about dietary and nutritional supplements, and a lot of bold health claims. And while some supplements can offer benefits in specific circumstances, when it comes to cancer prevention, research shows that supplements don’t offer the same benefits as eating whole foods.

Balance your diet.

Build your meals mostly around plant foods.  Aim for at least two-thirds (2/3) of your plate to be filled with plant foods such as whole grains, fruit and beans.  The remaining one-third (1/3) of your plate may be filled with animal-based protein rich foods such as seafood, poultry, and diary foods and occasionally with lean and red meat.

When you eat whole foods, your body absorbs a range of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other compounds that work together to protect your health.

But when vitamins, minerals, fiber and other food substances are isolated into supplements, they may not be absorbed as well by our bodies as they are from whole foods.

While some people may need supplements because of pregnancy, age or a medical condition, by and large, it’s best to get nutrients directly from food.

If you’re going to take dietary supplements for reasons related to medical conditions, consult with your doctor first. Ask about possible interactions with your medications. Follow qualified medical advice as far as dosage and the length of use. Taking more of a supplement than directed is not better and may even be harmful.

For nutrients, rely on whole grains, vegetables, fruits, beans and protein-rich foods. 

When you include a sufficient amount of plant foods and protein-rich foods in your diet, taking supplements does not give additional cancer protection. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables each day, plus whole grains and beans, ensures that you are getting as many valuable nutrients, including cancer-protective vitamins, minerals, fiber, and vital phytochemicals, as possible.

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Check In With Your Health

The choices we make each day can help reduce our risk of cancer.
AICR's new Cancer Health Check will help you learn more about your
choices and how you can stack the odds in your favor.

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