Diet and nutrition: key factors in cancer prevention
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20242975Keywords:
Cancer, Diet, NutritionAbstract
The role of diet and nutrition in cancer prevention has garnered significant attention as a key area of public health research. This review evaluates the impact of various dietary patterns and nutritional factors on cancer risk reduction. We systematically analyze evidence from epidemiological studies, clinical trials, and meta-analyses to identify dietary components and nutrients associated with lower cancer incidence. Key topics include the protective effects of high-fiber foods, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as the potential risks associated with excessive consumption of processed meats and high-fat diets. The review also explores the role of specific nutrients, such as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and their mechanisms in modulating cancer-related pathways. By synthesizing current findings, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of how dietary choices can influence cancer risk, offering practical guidelines for individuals and health professionals to integrate into cancer prevention strategies.
References
World Health Organization. Cancer Prevention. 2020.
Aune D, Giovannucci E, Boffetta P, Fadnes LT, Keum N, Norat T, et al. Fruit and vegetable intake and the risk of cardiovascular disease, total cancer and all-cause mortality-a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies. Int J Epidemiol. 2017;46(3):1029-56.
Riboli E, Norat T. Epidemiologic evidence of the protective effect of fruit and vegetables on cancer risk. Am J Clin Nutr. 2001;78(3):559S-69S.
Bouvard V, Loomis D, Guyton KZ, Grosse Y, Ghissassi FE, Benbrahim-Tallaa L, et al. Carcinogenicity of consumption of red and processed meat. Lancet Oncol, 2015;16(16):1599-600.
Santarelli RL, Pierre F, Corpet DE. Processed meat and colorectal cancer: a review of epidemiologic and experimental evidence. Nutr Cancer. 2008;60(2):131-44.
Smith-Warner SA, Spiegelman D, Yaun SS, Van den Brandt PA, Folsom AR, Goldbohm RA, et al. Alcohol and breast cancer in women: a pooled analysis of cohort studies. JAMA. 1998;279(7):535-40.
Calder PC. Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes: from molecules to man. Biochem Soc Trans. 2015;43(5):890-7.
Sofi F, Abbate R, Gensini GF, Casini A. Accruing evidence on benefits of adherence to the Mediterranean diet on health: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010;92(5):1189-96.
Tantamango-Bartley Y, Jaceldo-Siegl K, Fan J, Fraser G. Vegetarian diets and the incidence of cancer in a low-risk population. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2013;22(2):286-94.
Key TJ, Appleby PN, Rosell MS. Health effects of vegetarian and vegan diets. Proc Nutr Soc. 2006;65(1):35-41.
Valko M, Rhodes CJ, Moncol J, Izakovic M, Mazur M. Free radicals, metals and antioxidants in oxidative stress-induced cancer. Chem Biol Interact. 2006;160(1):1-40.
Aggarwal BB, Gehlot P. Inflammation and cancer: how friendly is the relationship for cancer patients? Curr Opin Pharmacol. 2006;9(4):351-69.