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

In a lab animal model, booming gut flora spawned by the Western diet is linked to obesity.
International study reaffirms importance of resolving the income gap between the richest and poorest people in developed countries.
Switzerland-based research team assesses the metabolic effects of dark chocolate consumption on energy, gut microbiota, and stress hormones.
UCLA researchers find disability rates in Americans entering their 60s are on the rise, potentially fueled by the overweight/obesity epidemic.
Genetic clues to longevity discovered among a homogenous ethnic population.
Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center (USA) researchers find that a loss of muscle strength raises risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and mild cognitive impairment.
Stroke risk may rise in those with common infectious pathogens such as Chlamydia pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, and herpes simplex viruses.
First study in humans links bisphenol A (BPA) exposure to male sexual function problems.
Simple steps in the community can promote walking among residents.
Study finds that people who are dissatisfied with their workplace bosses not only take more sick leave, but are at increased risk of suffering a heart attack.
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: Brain Age Workshop
Dr. Eric Braverman, Director of The Place for Achieving Total Health (PATH Medical), Chairs the Brain Age Workshop taking place Dec. 9, 2009. Held in conjunction with the Winter Session of the 17th Annual World Congress on Anti-Aging Medicine & Regenerative Biomedical Technologies. The Brain Age Workshop features presentations on Brain Mind Assessment via Neuropsychological Analysis, Movement Deficiency Syndrome, Hormones and the Brain, Nootropic Drug Mechanisms, and Traumatic Brain Injury. View this video to learn about Dr. Braverman’s brain-based model of aging and age modulation.

International Events
See all events »