Table 2 The Women’s Wellness after Cancer Program targeted behaviours [40]

Body Fatness: Be as lean as possible within the normal weight range, avoid weight gain and increases in waist circumference

Maintenance of a healthy weight may be one of the most important ways to protect against cancer recurrence and other common chronic diseases, including hypertension, stroke, type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease [40]

Physical Activity: Be moderately physically active, equivalent to brisk walking, for at least 30 min per day; As fitness improves, aim for 60 min or more of moderate, or for 30 min or more of vigorous, physical activity every day

Physical activity of longer duration or greater intensity is more beneficial; All forms of physical activity protect against some cancers, as well as against weight gain, overweight, and obesity [40]

Diet: Eat mostly foods of plant origin; limit consumption of energy-dense foods; avoid sugary drinks, limit intake of red meat and avoid processed meat

An integrative approach to the evidence shows that most diets that are protective against cancer are mainly made up from foods of plant origin; Consumption of energy-dense foods and sugary drinks contributes to obesity; An integrated approach to the evidence also shows that many foods of animal origin are nourishing and healthy if consumed in modest amounts.

Alcohol: If alcoholic drinks are consumed limit consumption to no more than one drink per day

The evidence on cancer justifies a recommendation not to drink alcoholic drinks. Other evidence shows that modest amounts of alcoholic drinks are likely to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease [40]