Cancer and the Impact of Nutrition

Nutrition plays a vital role in helping cancer patients survive cancer by reenergizing the body and building up defenses.  The Shaw Regional Cancer Center offers professional dietitian advice through Vail Valley Medical Center. Simply contact Melaine Hendershott, nutritionist, at 970-569-7614 or hendershott@vvmc.com to find out how to get specific nutrition information.

Visit these sites  for many additional useful tips and guides for general nutritional health.

Cancer and the Impact of Exercise 

Exercise has been shown to reduce risk of many cancers such as breast, colon and prostate among others. 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each day is the recommended amount needed to reap the benefits. Regular exercise can also reduce the risk of premature death from some cancers such as gastrointestinal and lung cancers. There are many benefits of exercise that either directly or indirectly affect cancer risk. Regular physical activity is the most direct correlation and usually with regular physical activity, Body Mass Index (BMI) and body fat percentage stay within healthy ranges, reducing your risk of cancer.

A healthy BMI is <25.0. To calculate your BMI (grab a calculator): Multiply your height in inches by itself. Then divide your weight in pounds by your height calculation. Once you have found that number, multiply by 703. You should have a two digit number. A BMI of greater than 25 increases your risk of developing cancer by about 30%, a BMI of greater than 30 increases your risk of developing cancer by nearly 70%. A website you can enter your numbers into is: http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/

Healthy body fat percentages differ by age and gender but are generally within these guidelines. 

        •  Male: 11-19%     
        • Female: 18-24% Some studies have suggested that for each percentage point over the recommended, risk of cancer increases by 2-3%.

Unsure how to reduce your BMI and body fat or how to include exercise in your daily life, call Dustin at 970-569-7493 or email at buttars@vvmc.com.

Visit these organizations websites for additional information on the benefits of exercise and how it reduces your cancer risk or promotes a better quality of life after cancer.

      American Cancer Society
      National Cancer Institute