WASHINGTON - EXCESS body fat increases an individual's risk for six types of cancer, according to a report by two leading cancer research groups.

The American Institute for Cancer Research and the World Cancer Research Fund offer 10 recommendations for cancer prevention, including limiting consumption of red meat and alcohol, avoiding processed meats and - most importantly - shedding those extra pounds.

The 571-page report, the second by the two non-profit organisations, calls on people to 'be as lean as possible within the normal range of body weight' as determined by the World Health Organisation or national governments, and avoid weight gain and increases in waist circumference during adulthood.

'The recommendation reflects what science is telling us today: Even small amounts of excess body fat, especially if carried at the waist, increase risk,' said Professor Philip T. James, chairman of the London-based International Obesity Task Force and one of the 21 members on an international panel which prepared the report.

Increased body fat, particularly in the abdominal area, affects levels of hormones and growth factors, which can influence the development of cancer cells.

In their first report a decade ago, the groups linked excess weight only to cancer of the endometrium, or uterine lining. The new report, which took five years to prepare, reviewed more than 7,000 studies published worldwide.

It says it found a convincing link between excess fat and cancers of the oesophagus, pancreas, colon and rectum, endometrium and kidney, along with breast cancer in post-menopausal women.

Prof James called the link 'the most striking finding' of the analysis. 'That is why body weight is the focus of our first recommendation,' he said.

Two recommendations focusing on weight control - being physically active for at least 30 minutes a day and eating sparingly or completely avoiding fast food, sugary sodas and processed foods low in fibre or high in sugar or fat - are followed by other health tips.

The report says 'people who eat various forms of vegetarian diets are at low risk of some diseases, including some cancers'. It also urges limited consumption of alcohol beverages as they are a factor in cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, colon and liver.

'It doesn't matter whether you are talking about wine, beer or spirits. When it comes to cancer, even small amounts of alcohol raise your risk,' Prof James said.

Ms Colleen Doyle, the American Cancer Society's director of nutrition and physical activity, said the report confirmed everything her organisation had been promoting.

'Weight, dietary habits and physical activity have a direct effect on cancer risk,' she said. 'It is important to note this means people do have a significant amount of control over their risk of developing many types of cancer. Lifestyle changes can indeed make a difference.'

LOS ANGELES TIMES

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'Weight, dietary habits and physical activity have a direct effect on cancer risk...people do have a significant amount of control over their risk of developing many types of cancer.'

MS COLLEEN DOYLE of the American Cancer Society