Diet and Cancer

Alcohol increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, breast, and the colon and rectum. People who smoke as well as drink have a much higher risk of these cancers.

Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E and beta-carotene (vitamin A), are part of a well-balanced diet. However, studies have not shown that taking supplements containing these antioxidants decreases the risk of cancer. There is some evidence that taking high doses of beta-carotene or vitamin E supplements may increase the risk of certain types of cancer.

Although some early studies show an increased risk of bladder cancer, brain cancer, and lymphomas with certain sweeteners, these studies were done in animals. No studies in humans show an increased risk of cancer with the use of these sweeteners.

Genes from different plants or from certain microorganisms are added to the genes of some plants to increase the plants’ hardiness or resistance to pests or to improve them in some other way. No current evidence demonstrates that bioengineered foods have any effect on cancer risk.

Some studies have found that higher vitamin D levels and calcium supplements may reduce the risk of precancerous polyps of the colon. However, other studies suggest that a high calcium intake increases the risk of prostate cancer.

Although some older studies appeared to show a link between coffee consumption and cancer risk, more recent studies have not shown any connection.

Some studies report that a diet high in fiber reduces the risk of cancer, especially colorectal cancer, but these reports controversial.

Some studies in animals suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may stop cancers from growing or slow their growth. However, these findings have not been replicated in humans.

Studies have not shown an increased risk of cancer in people who drink fluoridated water or who use toothpastes or undergo dental fluoride treatments.

Some evidence indicates a higher cancer risk in people with folate (folic acid) deficiency, but whether the deficiency is the cause of cancer is unknown. In contrast, other less conclusive evidence suggests that excess folate may increase cancer risk. A person eating a normal diet requires no additional folate.

Food additives must be approved by the Food and Drug Administration before they are included in foods, so new additives undergo extensive testing. So far, no evidence shows that the levels of additives found in food products increase the risk of cancer.

Scientific studies have not shown that garlic is effective in reducing the risk of cancer.

Radiation of food, which is sometimes used to kill microorganisms in food, does not increase cancer risk.

Some studies suggest that lycopene, a natural red pigment and antioxidant found mainly in tomatoes, may reduce the risk of some cancers but these data are controversial.

Eating meat cooked at high temperatures, for example by grilling or broiling, may introduce cancer-causing chemicals and increase cancer risk.

There is no evidence that organically grown foods reduce cancer risk more than the same foods grown by other methods.

Obese people have higher risks of diverse cancers.

There is no evidence that pesticide residue found in small amounts on foods increases the risk of cancer.

People who eat large amounts of processed meats may be at risk for stomach and colon and rectal cancers. Some evidence suggests that this is caused by nitrates in luncheon meats, hams, and hot dogs.

Some studies have found higher rates of some types of cancers in countries where fat intake is higher. However, no studies have found that decreasing fat intake decreases the risk of cancer. Of more importance, however, is that foods that contain high levels of saturated fats also contain many calories and may contribute to obesity, which is a risk factor for cancer and other health problems.

There is no convincing evidence that selenium reduces cancer risk.

There is no convincing evidence that spices such as tumeric, capsaicin (red pepper), cumin, or curry decrease cancer risk.

There is no convincing evidence that regular or green tea decreases cancer risk.

Vitamin D when taken with omega-3 fatty acid may decrease risk of death from cancer but does not decrease risk of developing cancer. Any potential benefit is greater in Blacks.

There is no convincing evidence that vitamin E supplements decrease cancer risk, and some evidence suggests an increased risk of prostate and other cancers.