A low fat-high fiber diet, commonly called the Asian diet, is often associated with low cancer incidence; while a high fat-low fiber diet, referred to as the Western diet, is associated with increased cancer. Although it is estimated that adoption of a healthy lifestyle can prevent 30 percent of all cancers, the role of diet and nutrition in cancer progression is complex and not entirely understood.
Cultural Dietary Differences
Diet is an important component of culture and differs greatly throughout the world. Dietary differences between Asia and the United States is attributed in part to the discrepancy of cancer incidence in the two countries. People of Asian origin tend to eat high fiber diets rich in plant-based antioxidant phytochemical compounds and exhibit significantly less prostate and breast cancer incidence compared to people in the United States.
Phytochemical Compounds
Phytochemicals are small nonessential plant-based nutrients. Dietary phytochemicals such as genistein and curcumin, found in soy and turmeric, respectively, are popular for their anti-oxidant capabilities. By inhibiting DNA damage caused by oxidative stress; these compounds are thought to act as a shield against unwanted cellular damage and mutation; common precursors for cancer development. The increased supplementation of these compounds may also inhibit cancer drugs and should be taken with caution.
Vitamins
Vitamins are small essential organic nutrients that regulate everything from bone development and cardiac function to immune regulation and oxidative stress. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, vitamin deficiency, especially vitamins E and D, is often correlated with numerous cancers; however, increased supplementation of these vitamins does not necessarily provide a protective response against cancer. These compounds can also be toxic at high levels.
Minerals
Dietary minerals are essential inorganic elements such as calcium, iron and magnesium. Proper level of dietary minerals are required for optimal health. Mineral deficiency is often correlated with cancer. For example, anemia is common in many cancer patients. High levels of these trace elements are also toxic, leading to increased oxidative stress and increased cancer. Increased iron levels are associated with increased kidney, liver and lung cancer.
Healthy Life Choices
The adage "you are what you eat" is a simplistic description of personal dietary choices in regards to health; however, "when you eat" may be just as important. Although information is limited, a 2005 study by led by Dr. Manuela A. Orjuela and published in "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention" found that decreased fruits and vegetables during pregnancy can increase the risk of retinoblastoma in offspring. Furthermore, soy eaten before puberty can decrease breast cancer incidence later in life, according to a different study by led Dr. Gertraud Maskarinec.
References
- "Clinical Review": Role of nutrition in preventing cancer: Richard Béliveau and Denis Gingras: November 2007
- Health-related Interactions of Phytochemicals: Mary Ann Lila, and Ilya Raskin: November 2005
- Role of iron in carcinogenesis: cancer as a ferrotoxic disease: Toyokuni S: January 2009
- Fruit and Vegetable Intake during Pregnancy and Risk for Development of Sporadic Retinoblastoma: Orjuela MA, Titievsky L, Liu X, Ramirez-Ortiz M, Ponce-Castaneda V, et al. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2005 Jun;14(6):1433-40.
- Urinary sex steroid excretion levels during a soy intervention among young girls: a pilot study: Maskarinec G, Morimoto Y, Novotny R, Nordt FJ, Stanczyk FZ, Franke AA: March 2005.
