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Dietary Choices Influence the Risk of Developing Cancer

Experts warn that dietary choices could seriously affect health.

According to several studies presented at the latest meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, certain aliments can lower the risk of cancer.

One research suggested that women, who ate soy-based foods as children, cut the possibility of developing breast cancer to 58 percent.

"This is the first study to look at childhood soy exposure and the later risk of breast cancer. It suggests that there really is a biologic effect for soy, and we're excited about that," stated Dr. Larissa Korde, researcher at the U.S. National Cancer Institute.

Dr. Larissa Korde and colleagues examined nearly 1,500, of whom 597 had breast cancer. All participants at the research were required to reveal information related to diet, lifestyle and medical history.

It was also indicated that women who regularly consume soy during adolescence and adulthood lower the risk of breast cancer to 25 percent.

Another research developed by scientists at the Harvard School of Public Health claims that men eating fish at least five times a week cut the possibility of having colorectal cancer to 40 percent.

"We already know that eating fish can reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death, and this might provide another reason to add fish to your diet," said Dr. Megan Phillips, the lead author of the study.

Moreover, it was suggested that men eating fish twice a week are 13 percent more protected against colorectal cancer than those who do not include fish in their diets.

Experts outlined that unhealthy dietary choices combined with smoking or alcohol can seriously harm the organism and are some of the main causes responsible for cancer.

"The relationship between diet and cancer is a complicated story. Diet interacts with many other factors, such as genes and other exposures you might have such as smoking. If you look at sum total of studies on diet and cancer, what you come away with is that it's important to prevent obesity, avoid toxins like excess alcohol, and eat a balanced diet that's moderate in fat and high in whole grains, fruits and vegetables," said Dr. Alan Kristal, an expert in epidemiology at the University of Washington.