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.

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.

February 1, 2019 | 4 minute read

AICR Launches National Campaign to Bust Myths, Present Facts about Cancer Risk

WASHINGTON, D.C. – February is Cancer Prevention Month. The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) is leading a national campaign to help Americans separate the myths from facts about cancer risk. Throughout the month, AICR will debunk cancer misperceptions and empower Americans with accurate, evidence-based advice on cancer prevention.

AICR estimates that around 40 percent of all cancer cases can be prevented. Eating a healthy diet, being more active each day and maintaining a healthy weight are, after not smoking, the most important ways to reduce cancer risk. The majority of Americans are unaware of these science-based strategies, leading to confusion about lifestyle and cancer risk.

AICR’s Cancer Risk Awareness survey found that 89 percent of people believe that “cancer is often genetic – it is inherited risk and they can do nothing about it.” Experts say, not true. Even if someone has a genetic mutation known to significantly increase cancer risk — such as the BRCA1 gene that is known to cause breast cancer — it is not certain that the person will eventually get cancer.

“The myth that there’s nothing you can do to reduce your risk is worrisome,” said AICR’s Senior Director of Nutrition Programs, Alice Bender. “The fact is strong evidence shows there are daily actions we can take to improve our odds of not getting cancer.”

Many of the common misperceptions are perpetuated by sensational headlines from an early animal study or results from a small human trial that are never replicated in larger studies.

The belief that soy increases breast cancer risk continues to be one of the most common and persistent myths. Studies have shown that eating whole soy foods may actually reduce risk of cancer for some women.

The headlines around red wine make it tempting to believe that alcohol can be healthy. But the fact is that all alcohol, regardless of the source, is a carcinogen. AICR’s latest report showed that drinking alcohol of any type links to increased risk for breast and several other cancers.

Another idea that is not supported by science but commonly believed is that eating organic fruits and vegetables offers extra protection against cancer. “Eating a diet rich in plant foods can help reduce the risk of cancer – whether organically or conventionally produced,” Bender says. “Research so far has not shown that organically grown foods are more cancer-protective than those grown conventionally.”

“A recent court case in California perpetuated the myth that drinking coffee can cause cancer. Scientists say coffee does not need to carry a cancer warning. In fact, research shows that coffee reduces risk for liver and endometrial cancers.

“Through this campaign, we want people to know the best evidence-based steps they can take to lower their cancer risk,” says Bender. “Downloading our free 30-Day Cancer Prevention checklist is a great way to start.”

In February, millions of Americans will see AICR’s Cancer Prevention announcement on television. Our public service announcement will educate viewers about the links between lifestyle choices and cancer risk.

“AICR is grateful to all the organizations and partners joining us for the Cancer Prevention Month campaign,” says Deirdre McGinley-Gieser, Senior Vice President, Programs at AICR.

Gold Partners

Yakima Fresh

Very Well

Silver Partners

Purity Coffee

Melissa’s Produce

Soy Connection

Window’s Catering

Sponsors

ACLM

American College of Preventative Medicine (ACPM)

American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)

American Society of Nutrition

Blue Cure

California Walnuts Commission

Cancer Journeys Foundation

Cancer Services/Cancer Dietician

Cary Medical Center

Healthy Dining Finder

Healthy Monday

Healthy You

The Heimerdinger Foundation

International Cancer Research Partnership

International Food Information Council (IFIC)

International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA)

International Organisation of Good Templars

Maine Cancer Foundation

Merkle Response Management Group

National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity (NCPPA)

National Recreation and Park Association

Northwell

The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center

Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease

Pink Aroostook

Produce Marketing Association

Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey

Savor Health

Sean Kimerling Testicular Foundation

Society of Behavioral Medicine

SuperKids Nutrition

True Health Initiative

The United Soybean Board

United Sorghum Checkoff Program

USA Rice

Virginia Cooperative Extension

Zell Being

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