Cancer prevention: optimizing life-styles with special reference to nutritional carcinogenesis

Life-style variables, especially those relating to metabolic overload, are significantly linked to risk for human cancer. Although the roles of tobacco use, alcohol abuse, sunlight, and select occupations are well established, the impact of nutrition on human carcinogenesis, and particularly that of excessive intake of fat and low intake of fiber, is less recognized. This article summarizes the essential evidence, recommends optimal fat and fiber intake, and suggests ways in which comprehensive clinical cancer centers can effectively participate in cancer prevention.