What does a healthy diet look like? Every five years, the federal government updates the answer. And, for the first time, that answer will talk specifically about the relationship between your diet and cancer. Known to generations of children as the food pyramid, and more recently as MyPlate, the recommended diet is officially called the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These science-based guidelines impact everything from school lunch programs to the advice provided by your doctor. ACS CAN has been working with the scientific advisory committee that develops the guidelines as well as with the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health & Human Services, the government agencies that will provide the guidelines' final approval. ACS CAN provided comments to the committee and supported the inclusion of information about the link between diet and cancer, in particular supporting the inclusion of the recommendation for limiting the amount of red and processed meat eaten to reduce your risk of colon cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, around one-third of all cancer deaths are linked to poor diet, physical inactivity, and being overweight, contributing to nearly 200,000 cancer deaths each year. Despite the science supporting the link between diet and cancer, some Members of Congress are trying to prevent any mention of the current evidence making the connection. ACS CAN is working with Congress and other health organizations to ensure this important reference is not omitted. Interested in learning more? Below are links to our policy resources around this issue.