Positive Health Online

Abstract

MALIN et al., Department of Medicine and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA, have studied the relationship between fruit and vegetable intake and the risk of breast cancer.

Background

High fruit and vegetable intake has been linked to a lower risk of breast cancer but evidence is inconsistent. In this population-based case control study among Chinese women in Shanghai, the associations between vegetables, fruits and breast cancer were investigated.

Methodology

1,459 incident breast cancer cases and 1,556 frequency-matched controls were included in the study. Dietary habits were assessed by in-person interviews. Logistic regression was used to compute adjusted adds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

There was no association between breast cancer risk and total vegetable intake. The risk of breast cancer decreased however with increasing intake of dark yellow-orange vegetables, Chinese white turnips, and certain dark green vegetables. Intake of fruits, except apples and watermelons, was inversely associated with breast cancer risk.

Conclusion

This study suggests that high intake of certain vegetables and fruits may be associated with a lower risk for breast cancer.

References

Malin AS, Qi D, Shu XO, Gao YT, Friedmann JM, Jin F, Zheng W. Intake of fruits, vegetables and selected micronutrients in relation to the risk of breast cancer. International Journal of Cancer 105 (3): 413-418, Jun 2003.