© 2004 by Oxford University Press
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© 2004 Oxford University Press
NEWS |
A Full Plate for Future Investigation in the Diet–Cancer Connection
Alcohol has been fairly well documented to increase the risk of cancers of the mouth/nose, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, and breast to varying degrees.Calcium and vitamin D are being tested to see if they prevent recurrence of adenomas or polyps, known risk factors for colorectal cancer. Early trials in people, most recently some at Dartmouth, appear promising.
Fiber has been shown in some case–control studies to be important in preventing colorectal cancer, but some prospective studies have been inconsistent. Recent findings from the EPIC study, which included a wide range of dietary fiber intakes, have suggested that diets that are low in fiber are a risk factor for colorectal cancer.
Folic acid is being tested to see if it prevents adenoma (polyp) recurrence, a known risk for colorectal cancer.
Obesity is probably one of the best-documented diet-related risk factors for cancer occurrence. It is associated with an increased risk of cancers of the esophagus, colon, breast, endometrium, and kidney.
Selenium, a mineral, is found in cereal grains and in plants like broccoli grown in selenium-enriched soils. Higher selenium intakes as measured in blood and plasma levels have been associated with a reduction in cancer incidence, but other methods of measuring selenium intake have not been associated with a cancer reduction. A prevention trial enrolling more than 12,000 people is under way in France. A U.S. study, SELECT, is examining the role of selenium supplements in prostate cancer prevention.
Vitamin E use is being monitored in the Women’s Health Study, where its association with cancer incidence will be examined; the SELECT trial is testing the role of vitamin E supplements (and selenium) in preventing prostate cancer.
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J Natl Cancer Inst 2004 96: 822-824.
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