Lung cancer

Eighty percent of lung cancer deaths are attributable to smoking. There is some evidence that a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables that contain p-carotene could be protective in smokers.

Colorectal cancer

A high-fat diet that includes a large amount of red meat increases risk, as does a diet low in dietary fibre. Eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables with other sources of dietary fibre – cereals and pulses – might be protective. There is limited evidence that some fibre supplements are useful preventive agents.

Breast cancer

Some studies suggest that a high-fat diet is a risk factor but others show that the amount of fat in the diet is irrelevant. There could be a link with high alcohol consumption but results of such studies are again variable. Obesity is probably more important because rapid growth rate in young girls results in early menarche – an accepted risk factor. Eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables has been shown to be protective in several studies.

Prostate cancer

A high-fat diet high in red meat seems to increase risk; a high-fat diet seems to raise the risk of cancer developing more quickly.

Pancreatic cancer

Diets high in fat and high intake of alcohol increase risk; eating lots of fruits and vegetables decreases risk. Smoking is a major risk factor.

Lymphomas and leukemias

There is no known link between diet and risk.

Liver cancer

High intake of alcohol is a risk factor.

Cancers of the female reproductive system

High-fat diet is a risk factor. Fruits and vegetables decrease risk.

Cancers of the nasopharynx, oesophagus and stomach

There is a positive association between salted and smoked foods and cancer here. Aflatoxins and alcohol also increase the risk. Fruits and vegetables are protective.

Brain cancers

There is no known link between diet and risk.

Urinary tract, including kidney

Obesity seems to be a risk factor and fruits and vegetables might be protective.

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