Lots of fruit may reduce oral cancer risk in men

Posted on 2006-10-17 06:45:12 in Nutrition |

Men who consume high quantities of fruits, especially citrus fruits and juices, have a significantly lower risk of developing oral premalignant lesions, irregular tissue that has not yet developed into cancer, according to the findings published in the American Journal of Epidemiology.

"Virtually all oral squamous cell carcinomas arise from a premalignant precursor," Dr. Kaumudi Joshipura, of Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, and colleagues write. "Epidemiologic studies have found that 16 to 40 percent of oral premalignant lesions transform to cancer," they note.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer, and is primarily composed of epidermis, the cells that make up the outer layer of the skin. Squamous cell carcinoma is not serious if identified early and promptly treated. However, once advanced, it is harder to treat and a small percentage can spread to other parts of the body.

The researchers examined fruit and vegetable consumption and the rate of oral premalignant lesions among 42,311 U.S. men enrolled in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. Food frequency questionnaires were used to assess diet every 4 years.

A total of 207 cases of oral premalignant lesions occurred between 1986 and 2002.

Citrus fruits, citrus fruit juice, and vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables were associated with a significantly lower risk of oral premalignant lesions. Greater quantities of these foods in the diet were linked to a 30- to 40-percent lower risk.

For example, the risk of oral premalignant lesions in subjects with the highest level of citrus fruit juice in the diet was 30 percent lower than those with the lowest level.

Overall, the researchers conclude that "dietary recommendations to increase consumption of fruits are appropriate for preventing oral precancer and cancer."

Read Full Story


Health Headlines

Language and memory tests can reliably predict when a healthy elderly person is likely to develop mild cognitive impairment, a precursor to dementia
Rush University Medical Center (USA) embarks on a research study to ascertain how microbial imbalances may impact diseases such as breast cancer.
Yale University researchers report improved function of the blood vessel lining and reduced cholesterol levels in diabetics who consume walnuts daily.
Routine moderate exercise can reduce the risk of premature death in people with heart problems by up to 60%.
Added as a sweetener to many processed foods and beverages, fructose (also known as high fructose corn syrup), may increase blood pressure.
Diets high in sodium and artificially sweetened soda linked to kidney function decline.
Antioxidant compounds retard the ability of influenza virus to damage a key protein in lungs
Studying an animal model of spinal cord injury, UCSD researchers report successful regeneration of nerve cells even when treatment is delayed.
Gallup Survey finds that 11.3% of American adults have diabetes, and the trend upwards is projected to continue unless aggressive interventions are implemented.
More than 11% of American adults surveyed say they failed to enjoy a day in the previous month where they got enough sleep.
Looking for an Anti-aging Doctor?

upcoming Events

U.S. Events
congresses
Las Vegas
fellowships
fellowships
symposium
workshops
  • Advanced Hormone Symposium
    Chicago, IL | Oct. 8-10, 2010

VIDEO: Bio-Identical Hormone
          Replacement

Dr. Sangeeta Pati, one of the world’s foremost educators and practicing physicians in the field of HRT shared “The Nuts and Bolts of Hormone Restoration” via webinar. View the Webinar.

International Events
See all events »