News

Apr 14, 2026

Dr. Vanderhoff, ODH Director: Improving Diet and Exercise Decreases Risk of Many Chronic Diseases, Cancers

But small improvements can make a big difference

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Taking small steps to improve your diet and get more exercise can make a significant difference in your risk factors for many chronic diseases and some cancers, Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Director Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA, said in a press conference today. (Click here to go to the press conference on YouTube.)

Dr. Vanderhoff said too many Ohioans suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.

“People are at increased risk when diet and exercise levels are not ideal,” he said. “But we know these diseases can be preventable.”

Dr. Vanderhoff said getting more fiber, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, is a good first step, as is cutting back on sugar intake. He also recommended starting a shopping trip on the perimeter of the grocery store, where produce and healthier options are more common, before heading to the store’s center aisles.

In terms of exercise, “getting more physical activity does not have to be daunting,” he said.

A few simple ways to incorporate more movement in your life include parking farther away from your office or the store; taking the stairs instead of the elevator; or taking your dog for a longer walk than usual.

The recommendation is for adults to get at least 2 ½ hours of cardiovascular activity in a week.

More information and tips can be found on the Ohio Department of Health’s Healthy Eating, Active Living (HEAL) website. (Click HERE for the HEAL website.)

To discuss how diet and exercise affect cancer risk, Dr. Vanderhoff welcomed Earl Thompson IV, MD, a colorectal surgeon at the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center and Assistant Professor of Surgery at the UC College of Medicine.

Colorectal cancer affects Ohioans at a higher rate than the rest of the United States. Each year, there are about 5,500 new cases of colorectal cancer in Ohio, and about 2,000 Ohioans die of it annually. The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 160,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2026, and more than 55,000 will die of it.

Early detection is key, and colorectal cancer screenings are very important.

But newer research shows that the risk for colorectal cancer accumulates long before age 45, which is when experts recommend that adults begin to get screened.

Overweight and obesity have been consistently associated with increased colorectal cancer risk. Studies show a 5%-8% increase in risk for each 5-unit increase in body mass index (BMI), particularly in men.

“Interestingly, one of the strongest correlations between increased risk of colorectal cancer and dietary intake is with sugar-sweetened beverages,” Dr. Thompson said. “People who drink the most sugar sweetened beverages are at about a two-fold higher risk compared with people who drink the least.

“Ultra processed foods also have a specific correlation with increased risk -- about a 50-80% increased risk than the people who eat less of those foods.”

Dr. Thompson said a colonoscopy is the best way to identify and remove pre-cancerous polyps.

“And don’t be afraid to bring up this conversation with your doctor even if you're a few years late,” he said. “We’d love to have you come in and get screened.”

posted April 14, 2026