Obesity is associated with increased cancer mortality and, to a lesser degree, with the incidence of certain cancers. Alcohol Consumption Alcohol consumption, besides increasing calorie intake, plays a role in increasing the risk of a number of cancers, and the risk is further increased among smokers. This was about the same as the high-school survey conducted in 1991. Physical Activity Physical activity is a new topic in this year's Cancer Risk Report. In 1995, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Sports Medicine released their recommendation that every US adult should accumulate 30 minutes or more of moderate-intensltv physical activity on most, preferably all, days of the week.
Physical activity burns calories and helps an individual maintain a desirable body weight.
Researchers are studying the role of physical activity and its relation to reduced cancer risk through enhancing the immune system, shortening the time food takes to move through the intestines, and altering hormone levels. Table 11-F shows that most adults don't get regular physical activity. In most states, more than a fourth of the adult population reported no leisure time physical activity. 23.0 25.6 South Carolina 2022 14.1 35. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 1992.