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Almost one
in three cancers could
be prevented through healthier eating, a major
international conference heard this week.
The European Prospective Investigation
into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) is one of one of the world's
largest studies investigating the relationship between the
disease and what people eat. The study has confirmed many
previous studies showing that some
food can increase the risks of cancer while others
can have a protective effect on the human body.
However, it has also provided some new
ideas and raised doubts about previously long-held theories.
The study, which is looking at the diets
of more than 500,000 people from nine European countries,
has confirmed once again that eating
fruit and vegetables can ward off the disease,
in particular colon and rectal cancer.
However, curiously the study found no
evidence to suggest they can ward off cancers of the stomach
and lungs.
The preliminary results have also raised
questions about the long-held belief that eating red meat
can increase the risk of cancer.
For years many have been fearful that
red meat, particularly beef, lamb and pork, could increase
the risk of colorectal cancer. The study looked very closely
at this issue and the results don't support that.
The study is looking into the different
types of meat and why processed meat may be a greater risk
than fresh meat and to see what is in processed meat that
may increase the risks.
The study found that excessive
smoking and drinking combined can increase
cancer risks by 50 times.
No surprise here.
One researcher acknowledged that the findings
could prove confusing for patients who want to change their
diet to protect against cancer.
The study, which is ongoing, is not due
to finish until at least 2003. But the research team
is planning to publish a scientific paper examining the links
between cancer and food in 2002.
European Conference
on Nutrition and Cancer in Lyon, France June 22, 2001
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