Diet and Cancer: The ARCAGE Study
Recent data suggest that in the near future, cancer will be the number one cause of death in most parts of the world. Whereas breast, prostate, skin and colon cancer are often featured in the news, cancer of the upper-aerodigestive tract (UADT, i.e. of the oral cavity, the larynx and oesophagus) are less well known. Still, about 180,000 new cases are reported in Europe per year.
As the UADT is naturally exposed to everything we eat and drink, the multicenter case-control study ARCAGE addressed the question whether the risk for UADT cancer is affected by our daily diet. The detailed evaluation of dietary habits of more than 4000 subjects revealed:
- that red meat consumption significantly increased the risk for UADT cancer (especially of the oesophagus)
- that fish consumption had no effect
- that raw vegetables, fruits, olive oil and tea consumption significantly reduced the risk for UADT cancer
Interestingly is also the finding that – contrary to the general perception – the drinking temperature (warm, hot or very hot) of two of the most common beverages, i.e. coffee and tea, had no negative impact on the risk for UADT cancer.
This study again shows how important a plant-based, balanced diet is for attempting to maintain human health. More details from the manuscript publsihed in the International Journal of Cancer (doi:10.1002/ijc.24246Q).
