NEW YORK, Oct 17 (Reuters Health) - Individuals who enjoy diets rich in meat, cheese and whole milk may be at increased risk of developing cancer of the esophagus and the stomach, according to the results of a recent study.

The rates of two types of cancer--gastric cardia and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus--have risen rapidly over the past 30 years, researchers report. To investigate potential links between these and two other types of stomach and esophageal cancers and dietary factors, Dr. Susan T. Mayne from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, and colleagues interviewed more than 1,000 patients and nearly 700 healthy people in three states.

Total fat intake and intake of saturated fat each doubled the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma, the investigators found. Saturated fat also raised the risk of gastric cardia, which affects the upper part of the stomach, and another type of cancer of the esophagus--esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Cholesterol, animal protein and vitamin B12, found primarily in animal products, were also associated with a higher risk of these cancers.

Intake of fiber, beta-carotene, folate, vitamin C and vitamin B6 were associated with a lower risk of all four cancer types studied. Use of a vitamin C supplement at least once a week for 6 or more months also showed a significant association with a lower risk of these cancers, the report indicates.

Intake of salt and nitrites were each linked with risk of noncardia gastric cancer, according to the report in the October issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.

"These results have implications for strategies aimed at preventing all of these cancers, but especially for adenocarcinomas of the esophagus and gastric cardia, given their increasing incidence rates," Mayne and colleagues conclude.

In other findings, the risk of obesity was higher in people who were diagnosed with these cancers.

"Our results suggest that prevention strategies for these cancers should emphasize increased consumption of plant foods, decreased consumption of foods of animal origin...and control of obesity," Mayne said in a prepared statement.

SOURCE: Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention 2001 October.

http://www.reutershealth.com/archiv...017elin009.html

This is much differently presented from the article yesterday, which looked the same, but seemed to miss a few points:

http://my.aol.com/news/news_story.p...110161017420729

Now I can continue happily with my "no processed meats" rant!

Karen

The abstract to this study looks fishy:



I don't want to pay $8 to find how interviews with population-based patients can be conclusive that meat and dairy are a no-no (or causes cancer). Chances are, if you want to turn vegetarian, you'll find enough similar studies that your favorite vegetable or fruit will, also, cause cancer.

Here's an interesting research topic (funding by drug companies is welcome): What doesn't cause cancer?

Smiling

Friendship

Laughter

Exposing bias and untruths in research ... (might cause headaches though)

Doreen

Adenocarcinoma of the esophagus has research-proven links to the following risk factors (as opposed to a "suggested" link)

• Caucasian male, over age 65
• smoking
• heavy alcohol use
• obesity
• previous diagnosis of Barrett's Esophagus (chronic esophageal erosion and ulceration due to untreated or undertreated acid reflux)

So, we have no way of knowing if the 687 control group participants were also white males over 65 who smoked and drank heavily, and who also had Barrett's Esophagus.

According to the American Cancer Society, and numerous leading cancer-care organizations ... the recommended diet for esophageal and gastric cardia cancer patients (gastric cardia is the point where the stomach and esophagus join) is to eat soft, calorie-dense foods, since their ability to swallow is impaired, and their appetite is very small. For many patients, it's impossible to swallow bulky, fibrous raw fruits and vegetables, or to tolerate whole grains and legumes. So, they are instructed to eat milkshakes, ice cream, puddings, sweet custards, mashed potatoes with meat gravies, creamed soups, etc .. Could these be the high animal-fat foods they referred to in the study? Seems to be a lot of sugar and refined starch there too.

Approximately 10% of people with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux) will develop Barrett's esophagus -- and almost always have the other risk factors cited for esophageal cancer, ie, obese white male over 65, smoker, drinker.

There is a strong link between high-sugar, high-insulin and GERD. High insulin levels stimulate certain prostaglandins which lead to inflammation. Reducing sugar and insulin levels, as well as reducing one's weight (increased abdominal pressure from obesity is a contributing factor to GERD) can virtually eliminate the signs and symptoms of reflux problems.

So, a low-carb, high-protein and fat diet will reduce some of the proven risk factors for this type of cancer. No diet can change your gender or stop you from aging, and no diet can alter the effects of smoking and heavy alcohol consumption.

Doreen