Cancer Prevention and Diet

Does my diet affect my chances of getting cancer?

Although the causes of many cancers are not known, about 1 in 3 cancers might be related to what you eat and drink. For example, a diet that is high in fat may increase your risk for getting cancers of the breast, uterus (womb), prostate, colon, and rectum. Being overweight increases your risk of cancers of the uterus, gallbladder, kidney, stomach, colon, and breast. Cancers of the stomach and esophagus (food pipe) have been linked to smoked and cured meats. Heavy use of alcohol may be related to cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, larynx (voice box), and liver.

Do any foods help prevent cancer?

No foods are guaranteed to protect you from cancer, but fruits and vegetables contain fiber, vitamins, and phytochemicals that have a role in preventing cancer.

Fiber is the plant material in our diet that is not digested. It keeps food moving through our intestines. Fiber comes from whole-grain breads and cereals, as well as fruit and vegetables.

Vitamins C and E act as antioxidants. Antioxidants help prevent or repair damage to cells caused by pollution, sunlight, and normal body processes. Excellent sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, peppers, and tomatoes. Vitamin E is found in vegetable oils, seeds and nuts, leafy green vegetables, and tomatoes.

Vitamin A and folate help cells develop normally. Vitamin A is present in liver, fortified dairy products, eggs, and butter. Asparagus, leafy green vegetables, and fortified cereals are good sources of folate.

Phytochemicals are natural chemicals that give plants their color, flavor, smell, and texture. Phytochemicals are found only in plants, so it is important to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and beans.

For a diet that helps protect you against cancer:

• Eat a variety of foods.
• Eat at least 4 to 5 cups of fruits and vegetables every day.
• Eat more whole-grain breads, pastas, and cereals.
• Eat less fat. When you eat meat, trim off the fat and skin. Use nonfat or low-fat dairy products. Remember that many desserts are usually high in both fats and calories.
• Eat more fish and white meat from chicken and turkey. Eat less red meat (beef, lamb, pork). Also eat less smoked and processed meat and fish.
• Change how you cook. Grilling, broiling, and frying meat at a high temperature creates chemicals that may increase your cancer risk. The same meat cooked in a stew or steamed, poached or microwaved is safer.
• Drink alcohol moderately if at all. Your risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, larynx, esophagus, and liver are increased if you have more than 1 drink a day if you are a woman or more than 2 drinks a day if you are a man.
• Ask your healthcare provider about vitamin and mineral supplements.
• If you are overweight, talk to your provider about losing weight.

Diet and lifestyle changes can help you take control of your health. Make healthy choices about regular physical activity, weight, alcohol, smoking, and the foods you eat. Talk your healthcare provider if you have questions or special concerns about your risk of cancer.