Cancer is a ubiquitous foe, and it can be cruelly indiscriminate. However, there are things a person can do to reduce his or her risk of developing cancer and focusing on healthy eating and active living are among the best. Since March is National Nutrition Month, I want to take this opportunity to share with you some of the important policies ACS CAN supports that help make it easier for children and adults to eat a healthy diet and keep their weight in check.

For Americans who do not use tobacco, diet, weight and physical activity level are the leading risk factors for cancer. There is also growing evidence that a healthy weight, good nutrition and regular physical activity improve health outcomes and quality of life for those undergoing cancer treatment, and reduce the risk of recurrence for cancer survivors. ACS CAN advocates for legislation and policies that promote healthy eating and active living. On Dec. 10, ACS CAN, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) and the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) hosted a policy seminar on nutrition and physical activity interventions for cancer survivors.

How often do you look at the Nutrition Facts label listed on the back of the box of cereal you pick up at the grocery store?

A key government report released last month speaks to the importance of ACS CANŠ—'s work on nutrition. The report, issued by the Federal Trade Commission, looked at how much money the food and beverage industry spends on marketing its products to children and teens.

I can hardly believe 2012 is coming to an end. As the new year approaches, I always like to think back on the accomplishments and significant events of the past 12 months. To say ACS CAN was busy this year is an understatement. We had a great year, and I want to share some of our highlights with you.

School started for many American children this month, but their new teachers werenŠ—'t the only change on the first day Š—– school meals got an overhaul over the summer.

A new edition of the ACS CAN report How Do You Measure Up? shows that the majority of states are not measuring up on legislative solutions to prevent and fight cancer. The report ranks where states stand on these issues that play a critical role in reducing cancer incidence and death. It measures seven specific issues.

To increase awareness of the Prevention FundŠ—'s lifesaving impact, ACS CAN released a report last week called Staying Well: Real Stories from the Prevention and Public Health Fund, which features 17 stories of state and community programs that depend on the Prevention Fund for their critical work.

March is National Nutrition Month, and I thought it would be a good opportunity to share some of ACS CANŠ—'s efforts to reduce overweight and obesity, which are proven to cause cancer.

I was excited by the news today that the USDA released new nutritional standards for school meals that have the potential to significantly improve the quality of the food our children are served at school.