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Fruit and vegetable consumption and cancer mortality in the Caerphilly Study
M G Hertog1, H B Bueno-de-Mesquita, A M Fehily
1Department of Chronic Diseases and Environmental Epidemiology, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands. Michael.Hertog@rivm.nl
Summary
Consuming fruits and vegetables, particularly fruit, significantly lowers cancer mortality risk in middle-aged men. This study highlights the protective effects of dietary choices against digestive tract and overall cancer deaths.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Nutritional Science
- Oncology
Background:
- Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality globally.
- Dietary factors, including fruit and vegetable intake, are increasingly recognized for their role in cancer prevention.
- Understanding specific dietary impacts on cancer mortality is crucial for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between fruit and vegetable consumption and cancer mortality.
- To determine the specific impact of fruit and vegetable intake on digestive and respiratory tract cancers.
- To assess the relationship between fruit, vegetable, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and dietary fiber intake and overall cancer mortality.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study of 2112 Welsh men (ages 45-69) was conducted over 13.8 years (The Caerphilly Study).
- Food frequency questionnaires assessed baseline fruit and vegetable consumption.
- Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to estimate relative risks (RR) for cancer mortality, adjusting for confounders.
Main Results:
- Vegetable and fruit consumption showed an inverse relationship with digestive tract cancer mortality (P=0.021), primarily driven by fruit intake (RR=0.3).
- Fruit consumption was inversely related to all-cause cancer mortality (RR=0.5).
- No significant associations were found for vitamin C, beta-carotene, or dietary fiber with digestive tract cancer mortality.
Conclusions:
- Higher consumption of vegetables and especially fruits is associated with a reduced risk of cancer mortality in middle-aged men.
- Dietary interventions focusing on increased fruit and vegetable intake may be beneficial for cancer prevention.
- Further research can explore mechanisms linking fruit consumption to reduced cancer risk.