Nutrition and cancer

Abstract

There is increasing epidemiological evidence that nutrition plays a dominant role in the pathogenesis of several types of human cancers. There is considerable epidemiological evidence showing that alcoholism in part because of associated nutritional deficiencies, significantly increases the risk of smokers for cancer of the alimentary tract. There is also some suggestion that nutritional deficiencies may relate to cancers of the stomach, cervix, and thyroid. Of particular importance, and based on relatively new concepts, are data indicating that overnutrition significantly affects the development of certain cancers, including cancers of the colon and pancreas, kidney, breast, ovary endometrium, and prostate. Except for cancer of the endometrium, and kidney cancer in women, there is no significant relationship to obesity. Rather, the evidence suggests both epidemiologically and experimentally that the etiological factors relate to a high intake of fats and possibly other variables associated with high fat intake. While we are investigating the mechanistic nature of the epidemiological and experimental observations, the question that needs to be asked is whether it is not prudent for us to associate ourselves with the recommendation of our colleagues in the cardiovascular disease field who call on both individuals and the food industry to practice a "Prudent Diet," i.e., one that is lower in total calories, total fat, saturated fats and cholesterol than is the present American diet.