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Cancer prevention: epidemiology and experiment
1Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
Abstract:
Perhaps the most promising lead to the prevention of cancer is derived from the epidemiologic observations that vegetables and fruit are consistently associated with lower risk of cancers of most epithelia. Over 200 studies have been undertaken, and a high proportion of them show lower risk with greater consumption. There are many plausible pathways to explain this risk reduction. The initial human experiments with specific single agents have proved to be disappointing. Single agents are not an advocated approach to chemotherapy, and may be inappropriate for chemoprevention. Foods may provide the optimal mix of phytochemicals and the best polypharmacy against the emergence of malignant clones.
Insights
Fruits and vegetables consumption is linked to lower cancer risk. While single compounds are disappointing for cancer prevention, whole foods offer a beneficial mix of phytochemicals.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Nutritional Science
- Oncology
Background:
- Epidemiologic studies consistently show a correlation between higher intake of fruits and vegetables and reduced risk of various epithelial cancers.
- Over 200 studies support this association, indicating a significant protective effect of plant-based foods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of dietary patterns, specifically fruit and vegetable consumption, in cancer chemoprevention.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of single phytochemicals versus whole foods in cancer risk reduction.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological data linking dietary habits to cancer incidence.
- Analysis of findings from human experiments investigating single chemopreventive agents.
- Assessment of the potential of whole foods as a source of chemopreventive compounds.
Main Results:
- A high proportion of studies demonstrate a dose-dependent inverse relationship between fruit and vegetable intake and cancer risk.
- Initial human trials with isolated phytochemicals have yielded disappointing results for cancer prevention.
- Single agents are not recommended for chemotherapy and may be unsuitable for chemoprevention.
Conclusions:
- Whole foods, rich in a complex mixture of phytochemicals, may offer a superior polypharmacy effect for cancer chemoprevention compared to isolated compounds.
- Dietary strategies emphasizing fruits and vegetables are a promising avenue for cancer prevention.
- The synergistic action of compounds in whole foods is likely key to their chemopreventive benefits.