Study Finds Complex Relationship Between Diet, Nutrition, and Cancer

In a recent study published in the journal Cancer Screening and Prevention, researchers reviewed the existing knowledge on the beneficial and detrimental effects of dietary patterns and nutritional supplements on cancer risk.

Diet, alongside lifestyle choices, is a major modifiable risk factor for cancer. An increasing number of studies highlight not only the preventive but also the causal role of diet in cancer development. Unhealthy diets, characterised by high-calorie foods, sugar-sweetened beverages, processed and red meats, and foods high in saturated and trans fats, are known to elevate the risk of obesity, metabolic disorders, and various cancers. Obesity-related cancer deaths account for 14% among men and 20% among women. Additionally, the consumption of alcohol and processed meats has been linked to cancers of the liver, pancreas, oesophagus, and colorectal region.

A substantial body of evidence indicates a causal relationship between diet and cancer. However, the complex nature of cancer has made it challenging to establish direct correlations between dietary factors and cancer risk. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated strong links between the consumption of certain foods and an increased risk of various cancers.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids such as omega-3 have been attributed to anti-cancer properties. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found mainly in marine fish and small quantities in plants such as flaxseed.

The findings highlighted that diet and nutritional supplements are significant modifiable risk factors for cancer. To reduce the risk of various cancers, a healthy diet rich in whole foods and free from processed meats, fried foods, and sugar-sweetened beverages is recommended, along with limiting alcohol intake.

"There is an ongoing need for additional clinical research to establish the safety and effectiveness of using various phytochemicals or plant extracts as dietary supplements for preventing the early stages of cancer," the researchers concluded. 

References Khanashyam A.C., Thorakkattu P., Babu K.S., Shah K., Rajput M.S., Nirmal S., et al. (2024). Diet and Supplements in Cancer Prevention. Cancer Screening and Prevention. 2(2):138-147. doi: 10.14218/CSP.2023.00001. https://www.xiahepublishing.com/2835-3315/CSP-2023-00001