Healthy Eating and Active Living

Prevention and Early Detection

Healthy Eating and Active Living

ACS CAN is working at the local, state and federal levels to prevent the one in five cancer cases caused by poor diet, physical inactivity and excess weight by advocating for legislation and regulations that make schools healthier, build healthy communities for all and support people with information in making healthy choices.

Featured Resources:

Obesity, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer Fact Sheet

Healthy Eating and Active Living Resources:

ACS CAN & ACS Comment Letter to FDA on a Comprehensive, Multi-Year Nutrition Innovation Strategy

September 6, 2019

The American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) respectfully submit the following comments on the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) comprehensive, multi-year Nutrition Innovation Strategy.

Healthy Eating, Active Living & Cancer: Making Healthy Lifestyles a National Priority

September 7, 2017

Excess body weight, physical inactivity, and poor nutrition are major risk factors for cancer, second only to tobacco use. Approximately one fifth of the estimated 1.7 million cancer cases expected to be diagnosed this year can be attributed to poor diet, physical inactivity, excess weight, and excess alcohol consumption¹.

Obesity, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Cancer: What's the Scientific Connection?

February 14, 2017

For the majority of Americans who do not use tobacco products, weight management, good nutrition, and physical activity are the greatest modifiable determinants of cancer risk.

ACS CAN Comments on the Federal Health and Sustainability Guidelines for Federal Concessions and Vending Operations

September 19, 2012

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network provided comments to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. General Services Administration on their Health and Sustainability Guidelines for Federal Consessions and Vending Operations.

Nutrition and Physical Activity Guidelines for Cancer Survivors

April 26, 2012

Cancer survivors are often highly motivated to seek information about food choices, physical activity, and dietary supplements to improve their treatment outcomes, quality of life, and overall survival.

American Cancer Society guidelines on nutrition and physical activity for cancer prevention

January 11, 2012

The American Cancer Society provides evidence-based guidelines for how individuals and communities can reduce their cancer risk through nutrition and physical activity.

Sign-on Statement Opposing Weakening the Federal Child Nutrition Programs

May 19, 2014

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and partners signed a statement in opposition to using the appropriations process to change or weaken the federal child nutrition programs.

ACS CAN Comments to USDA on School Wellness Policies

April 28, 2014

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network provided comments on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's proposed rule for Local School Wellness Policy Implementation.

ACS CAN Comments on the Smart Snacks Interim Final Rule

October 28, 2013

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network provided comments in support of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's interim final rule updating the nutrition standards for all foods sold in K-12 schools outside of the meal programs.

ACS CAN Comments on Smart Snacks Proposed Rule

April 9, 2013

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network provided comments on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's proposed rule updating the nutrition standards for all foods sold in K-12 schools outside of the meal programs.

NANA Coalition Sign-on Letter on Smart Snacks Proposed Rule

April 8, 2013

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and partners provided brief joint comments regarding the U.S. Department of Agriculture's proposed rule updating the nutrition standards for all foods sold in K-12 schools outside of the meal programs.

ACS CAN Comments on Certification of Compliance with the Updated School Meal Requirements

July 26, 2012

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network provided comments on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's interim final rule regarding certification of compliance with the updated nutrition standards for the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.

ACS CAN Comments on Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Proposed Rule

April 24, 2012

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network provided support for and additional recommendations regarding the U.S. Department of Agriculture's proposed rule establishing the requirements for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP).

ACS CAN Comments on School Meal Pricing

September 16, 2011

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network supported the U.S. Department of Agriculture's interim final rule regarding equity in school lunch pricing and revenue from snacks sold in schools.

NANA Coalition Sign-on Letter on School Meal Pricing

September 15, 2011

Sugary Drink Taxes

October 26, 2017

Approximately 20 percent of all cancers are caused by poor diet, physical inactivity, excess weight and excess alcohol consumption.

Just the Facts: Sugary Drinks

October 26, 2017

Sugary drinks, also known as sugar-sweetened beverages, are the leading source of added sugar and one of the leading sources of calories in Americans’ diets. Nearly 40 percent of all added sugars come from sugary beverages.

Keeping Children Healthy: Recommendations for Promoting Physical Education and Physical Activity in Schools Fact Sheet

February 2, 2016

Regular physical activity promotes children’s growth and development and offers physical, mental, and cognitive health benefits. Children who are more active also demonstrate higher scholastic achievement, better classroom behavior, greater ability to focus, and less absenteeism than their unfit peers.^{1, 2, 3, 4, 5} Quality physical education is the best way to help children achieve recommended levels of physical activity, while gaining the knowledge and skills they will need to be healthy and active for the rest of their lives. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) supports policies that promote quality physical education and the adoption of additional opportunities to engage in physical activity throughout the day.

Sign-on Letter in Support of Physical Education and the PEP Grant Program in the ESEA Reauthorization

November 17, 2015

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and partners sent a letter in support of health and physical education being designated as core subjects and the Physical Education Program (PEP) grant being included in the US Senate’s Every Child Achieves Act.

Policy Statement on Physical Education in Schools

August 6, 2015

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the American Heart Association, and the American Diabetes Association updated its policy position on physical education and physical activity in K-12 schools in 2015.

ACS CAN Comments on Institute of Medicine Project: Physical Activity and Physical Education in the School Environment

December 3, 2012

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network provided written comments to the Institute of Medicine on strengthening and improving programs and policies for physical activity and physical education in the school environment.

ACS CAN Comments at Institute of Medicine Public Workshop - Physical Activity and Physical Education in Schools: Perspectives on Successes, Barriers, and Opportunities

September 20, 2012

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network provided oral comments to the Institute of Medicine on strengthening and improving programs and policies for physical activity and physical education in the school environment.

Comments from the ACS and ACS CAN on Topics and Scientific Questions for the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

July 9, 2019

ACS and ACS CAN are pleased to provide comments for the first time for the topics and scientific questions under consideration for the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

ACS CAN Comments on the Draft World Health Organization Global Action Plan on Physical Inactivity 2018-2030

September 22, 2017

ACS CAN submitted comments to the World Health Organization on its Draft Global Action Plan on Physical Inactivity 2018-2030.

ACS and ACS CAN Comments to the Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee

September 1, 2017

ACS and ACS CAN provided comments to the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee, a federal advisory committee charged with reviewing the science and making recommendations to inform the update of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.

ACS and ACS CAN Oral Testimony to the Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee

October 28, 2016

ACS and ACS CAN provided oral comments to inform the work of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee.

ACS and ACS CAN Oral Testimony to the National Academies on the Review of the Process to Update the Dietary Guidelines for Americans

October 16, 2016

ACS and ACS CAN provided oral testimony to a National Academies study committee charged with reviewing the process to update the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

ACS and ACS CAN Comments to the National Academies on Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Selection Process

October 6, 2016

ACS and ACS CAN provided comments to a National Academies study committee on the process for selecting the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. Our comments include recommendations for reducing conflicts of interest and including committee members with the appropriate expertise.

Physical Activity Recommendations for Americans Act Partner Sign On Letter

June 7, 2016

ACS CAN signed on to a letter to House Energy and Commerce Committee leadership asking them to pass H.R. 1499, the Physical Activity Recommendations for Americans Act. The bill would require the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to publish updated science-based physical activity recommendations every ten years.

Partner Sign-on Letter Opposing Appropriations Riders on the Dietary Guidelines- Senate Version

November 16, 2015

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and partners sent a letter to Senate leadership and appropriators advocating that riders undermining the science base and the public health benefits of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans not be included on any omnibus Fiscal Year 2016 Appro

Partner Sign-on Letter Opposing Appropriations Riders on the Dietary Guidelines- House Version

November 16, 2015

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and partners sent a letter to House leadership and appropriators advocating that riders undermining the science base and the public health benefits of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans not be included on any omnibus Fiscal Year 2016 Approp

Sign-on Letter to Dr. Collins in Support of Physical Activity Research

April 6, 2015

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and partners sent a letter to National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Francis Collins urging him to using money from the Common Fund to fund research on the mechanisms underlying the benefits of physical activity.

Staying Well: Real Stories from the Prevention and Public Health Fund

July 30, 2012

This Action Cancer Society Cancer Action Network report serves as a guide to the cross-cutting approaches that communities are taking to improve the health and well-being of their residents with grants from the federal Prevention and Public Health Fund.

ACS CAN Comments on FDA's Proposed Rule to Delay the Updated Nutrition Facts Label

October 30, 2017

ACS CAN submitted comments to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on their proposed rule to delay the compliance date for the updated Nutrition Facts label by 18 months.

Sign-On Letter in Opposition to Menu Labeling Delay and Rollbacks

August 2, 2017

More than 40 organizations representing consumers, patients, and nutrition, public health, and health care professionals, including ACS CAN, signed on to a letter opposing any delay in implementation of menu labeling or changes to the requirements to make the information less accessible or useful

ACS CAN Comments on Menu Labeling Delay Interim Final Rule

August 1, 2017

ACS CAN provided comments on FDA's interim final rule to delay implementation of menu labeling, opposing the proposed delay and any changes to the rule that would make it more difficult for consumers to access or use menu labeling in making healthy choices.

ACS CAN Comments on Use of the Term "Healthy" on Food Labels

April 26, 2017

ACS CAN provided comments in response to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) request for information on the use of the term “healthy” on food labels.

ACS CAN supports updating the criteria for "healthy" to be consistent with current research and dietary guidance. If defined appropriately, “healthy” can be a tool to help consumers identify choices that support long-term health, including reduced cancer risk.

ACS CAN Comments on Updates to the Nutrition Facts Label for Meat and Poultry

April 14, 2017

ACS CAN provided comments to the U.S. Department of Agriculture on a proposed rule to update the Nutrition Facts Label for meat and poultry.

Sign-on Letter to Secretary Price on the Nutrition Facts Label Compliance Date

February 24, 2017

ACS CAN and more than 25 of our nutrition and public health partners sent a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price asking for his commitment to maintain the July 2018 compliance date for the updated Nutrition Facts label.

ACS CAN Supports Implementation of the Federal Menu Labeling Requirements

May 2, 2016

Studies show a strong link between poor nutrition, physical inactivity, excess weight, and cancer. That’s why the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) supports the timely implementation of new federal menu labeling requirements for restaurants and other food establishments.

Joint Statement in Opposition to the Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act of 2015

February 17, 2016

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and partners signed a statement in opposition to the "Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act of 2015", which would weaken the menu labeling requirements.

ACS CAN Comments on Draft Guidance for Industry on Menu Labeling

November 1, 2015

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network provided input on the Food and Drug Administration's draft guidance for industry on the implementation of the menu labeling requirements.

State and Local Policies to Promote Active Transportation and Recreation in Communities - Fact Sheet

February 3, 2016

Policies that support safe and accessible opportunities for active transportation and recreation, particularly walking and bicycling, are key to promoting physical activity, which helps prevent cancer, manage weight, and improve quality of life and health outcomes for cancer survivors.

ACS CAN Supports Active Transportation Policies and Infrastructure - Fact Sheet

September 2, 2015

Safe and accessible opportunities for walking, biking, and other forms of activities are key to promoting physical activity, helping to prevent cancer, and improving quality of life and survivorship for cancer survivors.

Letter in Support of the Transportation Alternatives Program Improvement Act (TAPIA)

April 7, 2015

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and partners sent a letter to members of the Senate asking them to cosponsor S. 705, the Transportation Alternatives Program Improvement Act.

ACS and ACS CAN Comments on Walking as a Way for Americans to Get the Recommended Amount of Physical Activity for Health

May 1, 2013

The American Cancer Society and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network provided comments in response to the request for information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about walking as an effective way to be sufficiently active for health.

Sign-on Letter on the Transportation Alternatives Program

September 21, 2012

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and partners sent a letter to U.S.

Sign-on Letter Supporting Funding for Active Transportation Programs and Infrastructure

May 30, 2012

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and partners sent a letter in support of maintaining the Cardin-Cochran agreement from MAP-21 in the conference report.

Obesity Screening and Management for Youth and Adults

June 1, 2016

For the majority of Americans who do not use tobacco, the most important behaviors to reduce cancer risk are weight control, dietary choices, and physical activity. Up to one third of cancer deaths in the US can be attributed to poor diet, physical inactivity, and excess weight.

Comments from the American Cancer Society and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Draft Research Plan for Weight Loss to Prevent Obesity-Related Morbidity and Mortality

February 1, 2016

The American Cancer Society and American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network provided comments to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (Task Force on the Draft Research Plan for Weight Loss to Prevent Obesity-Related Morbidity and Mortality.

ACS and ACS CAN Comments on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Draft Research Plan: Screening for Obesity and Interventions for Weight Management in Children and Adolescents

December 2, 2014

The American Cancer Society and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network provided comments on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Draft Research Plan: Screening for Obesity and Interventions for Weight Management in Children and Adolescents.

Prevention and the Health Care Law

August 8, 2014

Adequate and sustained investments and improvements in the prevention and early detection of disease are essential to refocusing the health care system on wellness.

ACS and ACS CAN Comments on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Draft Recommendation Statement: Vitamin, Mineral, and Multivitamin Supplements for the Primary Prevention of Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease

December 9, 2013

The American Cancer Society and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network provided comments on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Draft Recommendation Statement: Vitamin, Mineral, and Multivitamin Supplements for the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer.

ACS CAN Comments on Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Proposed Decision Memo on Medicare Coverage of Intensive Behavioral Therapy for Obesity

September 30, 2011

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network provided comments on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) National Coverage Analysis on Intensive Behavioral Therapy for Obesity.

Food Marketing to Children and Adolescents

June 1, 2016

For the majority of Americans who do not use tobacco, the most important behaviors to reduce cancer risk are weight control, dietary choices, and physical activity.^1,2 Overweight and obesity are clearly associated with an increased risk of cancers of the breast in postmenopausal women,

Recommendations for Responsible Food Marketing to Children

January 27, 2015

American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network staff contributed to these Recommendations for Responsible Food Marketing to Children, which were developed by a group of experts convened by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Healthy Eating Research program.

ACS CAN Written Comments on Interagency Working Group on Food Marketed to Children: Proposed Nutrition Principles

July 14, 2011

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network provided written comments regarding the Interagency Working Group on Food Marketed to Children's Preliminary Proposed Principles to Guide Industry Self-Regulatory Efforts.

ACS CAN Brief Oral Comments on Interagency Working Group on Food Marketed to Children: Proposed Nutrition Principles

May 24, 2011

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network provided brief oral comments regarding the Interagency Working Group on Food Marketed to Children's Preliminary Proposed Principles to Guide Industry Self-Regulatory Efforts.

NANA Coalition Model Beverage and Food Vending Machine Standards

December 30, 2012

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and partners, as part of the National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity, provide model food and beverage vending machine standards.

ACS CAN Comments on the Proposed Rule to Enhance SNAP Retailer Standards

May 11, 2016

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network provided comments on the U.S. Department of Agriculture proposed rule enhancing requirements for retail stores participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Sign-on Letter to 2013 Farm Bill Conferees Opposing Harmful Funding Cuts and Policy Changes to the Nutrition Programs

November 12, 2013

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and partners sent a letter urging the Farm Bill conference committee to work in a bipartisan manner to protect and strengthen the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and other nutrition programs.

ACS CAN Comments on Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Grant Program Interim Rule

June 4, 2013

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network provided comments on the interim rule to implement the SNAP-Ed program requirements in the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act.

ACS CAN Comments on Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Grant Program

June 17, 2011

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network provided comments in response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture request for information to implement the SNAP-Ed program requirements in the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act.

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Healthy Eating and Active Living

Healthy Eating and Active Living Resources:

American Cancer Society Guidelines Resources:

School Nutrition Resources:

Sugary Drinks Resources:

Physical Education and Physical Activity in Schools Resources:

Federal Dietary and Physical Activity Guidelines Resources:

Funding for Research & Programs Resources:

Nutrition Labeling Resources:

Active Transportation and Recreation Resources:

Access to Obesity, Nutrition, and Physical Activity Services Resources:

Food Marketing Resources:

Healthy Workplaces Resources:

Federal Nutrition Education and Assistance Programs Resources: