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Epidemiological correlations between diet and cancer frequency.
Cancer Research
|September 1, 1981
Summary
High intake of animal-based fats, particularly beef, correlates with increased colon and breast cancer mortality. Conversely, increased vegetable consumption is linked to lower colon cancer rates, suggesting dietary influences on cancer risk.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Epidemiology
- Oncology
- Public Health
Background:
- International dietary patterns show correlations with cancer incidence.
- Previous research suggests links between food consumption and cancer mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To update correlations between recent food consumption data and cancer mortality.
- To investigate the relationship between diet and specific cancer types, including colon and breast cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review of international literature on diet and cancer frequency.
- Updated correlation analysis of recent cancer mortality and food consumption data.
- Examination of epidemiological data and autopsy findings.
Main Results:
- Strong correlations found between high per capita consumption of total fat, animal-derived nutrients (beef, pork, eggs, milk), and increased rates of colon and breast cancer mortality.
- Less consistent correlations observed for prostate, ovarian, and endometrial cancers.
- Negative correlations reported between colon cancer rates and vegetable consumption, with increased stool weight also showing a negative correlation.
Conclusions:
- Epidemiological data support the hypothesis that excessive beef and low vegetable consumption are causally linked to colon cancer.
- Dietary factors may create a microenvironment conducive to carcinogen action rather than acting as direct carcinogens.