Articles
Diet and Cancer Prevention
It is known that diet plays a role in the development of many cancers. Here we look at individual cancers and the current research on the offending foods.
Bladder cancer
Increased risk with high char-grilled meat intake
Decreased risk with increased fruit and veg and water intake
Breast Cancer
Increased risk with alcohol intake, even small amounts, and being overweight
Decreased risk with lower fat intake and increased fruit, veg, fish and low fat dairy
Colorectal Cancer
Increased risk with alcohol intake, being overweight and high intake of red and processed meats
Decreased risk with increased fruit, veg and wholegrain cereal intake, likely linked to increase in fibre intake
Endometrial Cancer
Increased risk with overweight, particularly abdominal obesity
Decreased risk with lowered fat intake
Lung Cancer
Increased risk with smoking
Possible decreased risk with increased fruit and veg intake, but unlikely to combat the very high risk of tobacco use
Mouth, Throat and Oesophageal Cancers
Increased risk with smoking and abdominal obesity. Regular drinking of very hot drinks can increase risk
Possible decreased risk with very high fruit and veg intake
Ovarian Cancer
Possible increased risk with obesity
Some studies show decreased risk with increased soy and green tea intake, but not all studies support this
Pancreatic Cancer
Possible increased risk with obesity, especially abdominal obesity. Type 2 Diabetes and Impaired Glucose Tolerance all increase risk
Prostate Cancer
Increased risk of fatal prostate cancer with overweight and obesity
Possible decreased risk with high intake of cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower), tomato, legumes and fish
Stomach Cancer
Increased risk with obesity, which causes gastric reflux, also high salt and processed meat intake
Decreased risk with increased fruit and veg intake
Overall, it looks like being at a healthy weight and eating a low fat diet rich in fruit and vegetables and high in fibre is the key to preventing or combating cancer. Lifestyle choices are also important, such as regular exercise and avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption.
Added to site on : Monday, 25 June 2012