Operationalizing the 2018 World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) Cancer Prevention Recommendations: A Standardized Scoring System
- Publication date
- Publisher
- 'MDPI AG'
Abstract
Background: Following the publication of the 2018 World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF)
and American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) Third Expert Report, a collaborative group was
formed to develop a standardized scoring system and provide guidance for research applications.
Methods: The 2018 WCRF/AICR Cancer Prevention Recommendations, goals, and statements of
advice were examined to define components of the new Score. Cut-points for scoring were based
on quantitative guidance in the 2018 Recommendations and other guidelines, past research that
operationalized 2007 WCRF/AICR Recommendations, and advice from the Continuous Update Project
Expert Panel. Results: Eight of the ten 2018 WCRF/AICR Recommendations concerning weight,
physical activity, diet, and breastfeeding (optional), were selected for inclusion. Each component
is worth one point: 1, 0.5, and 0 points for fully, partially, and not meeting each recommendation,
respectively (Score: 0 to 7–8 points). Two recommendations on dietary supplement use and for
cancer survivors are not included due to operational redundancy. Additional guidance stresses the
importance of accounting for other risk factors (e.g., smoking) in relevant models. Conclusions: The
proposed 2018 WCRF/AICR Score is a practical tool for researchers to examine how adherence to the
2018 WCRF/AICR Recommendations relates to cancer risk and mortality in various adult populations.