Because each cancer type is different in origin, composition, and responsiveness to treatment, reliable prevention techniques are very difficult to identify. Evidence that an activity or dietary item prevents cancer is difficult to confirm because the goal of cancer prevention is to produce an outcome where nothing changes (i.e. cancer does not develop). Additionally, because cancer prevention cannot usually be accomplished by a single event, preventative measures must be taken for many years to give results that can be examned. Even if something is shown to help prevent a certain type of cancer, there is no guarantee that eating or behaving in a certain way will absolutely assure freedom from cancer development.
Much of the evidence for cancer prevention is not definitive. As an example, a diet low in fat (1)(2) but high in fiber (3)(4), fruits and vegetables (5)(6) has been associated with lower risks for several cancers. There have also been a number of studies that have shown no connection between these kinds of diets and reduced cancer cases (7)(8)(9). Exercise has been shown to reduce cancer occurrence in some studies; in others, exercise does not seem to make a difference (10)(11).
Despite the conflicting evidence, the National Cancer Institute contends that the best way to help prevent cancer is to exercise, as well as eat a low calorie diet containing fiber, fruits, and vegetables. They also suggest that people should avoid a sedentary lifestyle, animal fats, and grilled meats to lessen the risk of developing cancer (12). Research suggests that a combination of different essential nutrients is better than consuming a large amount of a single item. (13)
Another way to help prevent cancer is to avoid behaviors that are generally accepted to increase your risk of cancer. Some of the behaviors linked to cancer development are tobacco use (14)(15)(16), alcohol consumption (17)(18), obesity (17)(19)(20), and sun exposure. (21)(22) A study on Swedish families shows that an increased risk of cancer is more associated with environmental factors, diet and exercise rather than heredity. (23) The American Cancer Society suggests that a third of all American cancer deaths are linked to poor diet and lack of exercise. Additionally, another third of all cancer deaths are preventable by avoiding tobacco products. (24) The World Health Organization believes that 40% of cancer deaths world-wide could be prevented with proper diet, exercise, and tobacco avoidance. (25)
In addition to these general guidelines, there are several specific compounds that have exhibited evidence that they may contribute to cancer prevention. (26)
The following pages describe cancer prevention methods in more detail.
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Purdie DM, Green AC: Epidemiology of endometrial cancer. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 15 (3): 341-54, 2001 [PUBMED]
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English DR, Armstrong BK, Kricker A, et al.: Case-control study of sun exposure and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Int J Cancer 77 (3): 347-53, 1998. [PUBMED]
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Calle EE, Rodriguez C, Walker-Thurmond K, Thun MJ. Overweight, obesity, and mortaily from cancer in a prospectively studied cohort of U.S. adults. N Engl J Med. (2003) 348: 1625-38 [PUBMED]
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