1er April 2005 – Contrary to what the results of a number of studies have suggested, the consumption of fruits and vegetables alone is not sufficient to protect against breast cancer.
Data from a case-control study of 285,526 women living in eight European countries1 indicate that, from a statistical point of view, the consumption of fruits and vegetables cannot be attributed a protective effect against breast cancer.
Since the early 1980s, the incidence of breast cancer has been observed to be higher in modern Western societies than in other parts of the world. It is also observed that, in societies where the incidence was historically lower, the risk of contracting breast cancer increases when women adopt the lifestyle of Western societies. The researchers therefore looked at the causes that, in our way of life, could explain this increased incidence.
We first pointed out the consumption of certain fats, but the results of several epidemiological studies did not allow this hypothesis to be confirmed.2. Subsequently, in the 1990s, it was thought that our low consumption of vegetables could be the cause. However, although the consumption of fruits and vegetables has been shown to help protect us against cardiovascular disorders, such a link cannot be established with regard to breast cancer.
Specialist in research on the effects of eating habits on the incidence of cancer, Dr.r Walter Willett of Harvard University (United States) puts a damper on the results of the research in question. He points out that studies which compare the eating habits of cancer patients to those of healthy subjects are not necessarily very reliable.3. According to him, many distorting factors can intervene in the interpretation of the results: nature and frequency of physical activities, use or not of contraceptives or replacement hormones, etc. He also points out that the increased incidence of breast cancer in our societies could have multiple causes and that it is necessary to refine our methods of analysis if we are to discover those which, in our way of life, play a role. a role in this regard.
Pierre Lefrançois – PasseportSanté.net
1. van Gils CH, Peeters PH, et al. Consumption of vegetables and fruits and risk of breast cancer.JAMA. 2005 Jan 12; 293 (2): 183-93.
2. Willett WC. Diet and cancer: one view at the start of the millennium.Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2001 Jan; 10 (1): 3-8. Full text: http://cebp.aacrjournals.org
3. Willett WC. Diet and cancer: an evolving picture.JAMA. 2005 Jan 12; 293 (2): 233-4.
