Cancer Experts Link Almost 100,000 U.S. Cancer Cases to Inactivity and Prolonged Sitting

Contact:

 Aaron Cohen                                                                                   Mya Nelson
 202-261-2869                                                                                 Office: 202-328-7744 x3047
Aaron.cohen@mslgroup.com                                                             m.nelson@aicr.org

  Media Advisory

Cancer Experts Link Almost 100,000 U.S. Cancer Cases to 
Inactivity and Prolonged Sitting 
Americans Urged to Take 1-2 Minute Activity Breaks Every Hour

What:              In conjunction with its Annual Research Conference on Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer in Washington, AICR will hold a news conference where experts will present new, evidence-based estimates that inactivity is responsible for almost 100,000 cancer cases in the U.S. every year. In response, AICR will also call on adult Americans to take 1-2 minute activity breaks every hour to reduce their cancer risk.

Who:               Christine Friedenreich, Ph.D., Senior Research Epidemiologist Associate, Alberta Health Services-Cancer Care in Canada, will summarize new evidence of the protective link between physical activity and certain cancers.

Neville Owen, Ph.D., Director of Behavioral Epidemiology at Australia's Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, will present research from the emerging field of sedentary behavior, including new findings on what happens in the body during prolonged periods of sitting.

Lawrence A. Soler, President and CEO, Partnership for a Healthier America, will make the link between inactivity and the economic and national security of the U.S.

Alice Bender, M.S., R.D., AICR Nutrition Communications Manager, will underscore why AICR is urging adult Americans to take a 1-2 minute activity break every hour to reduce the risk of cancer and practical ways to achieve this goal.

When:              Thursday, November 3, 2011, 10:00 a.m.

Where:             South American Room, Capital Hilton Hotel, 1001 16^th St. NW, Washington, DC    

NOTE: The AICR Annual Research Conference held on November 3rd and 4th will also feature leading experts presenting the latest data on the roles of diet, weight and physical activity in cancer risk and survivorship. This year's topics include vitamin D, fish oil, broccoli, and the interaction of nutrition and cancer stem cells. The conference also features over 120 poster presentations, including new findings on a mechanism by which black raspberries may prevent cancer, the link between weight loss and prostate cancer survival, and physical activity's role in preventing lung 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 $95 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.