PREVENTION AND RISK FACTORS OF CANCER RELATED TO DIET

www.wjpps.com │ Vol 10, Issue 8, 2021. │ ISO 9001:2015 Certified Journal │

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Nithyanandan et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

PREVENTION AND RISK FACTORS OF CANCER RELATED TO

DIET

Nithyanandan S.* and Archana Lahoti

Pharm D Student, PES College of Pharmacy, Bangalore, India. 560050.

ABSTRACT

Cancer is a major global health concern and also a huge challenge to

the human population. The commonly diagnosed cancers like breast,

colorectal, lungs, prostate, stomach cancer have significant association

with the diet and lifestyle. There has been many research conducted

regarding the dietary factors and it’s link with cancer. Diet comprising

of processed meat, high intake of dairy products, intake of refined

carbohydrates and high sugary drinks have shown significantly to

increase the risk of certain cancers, most specifically colorectal and

breast cancers. On the other hand, Diets such as Ketogenic,

Mediterranean diet, increased intake of fruits and vegetables have found to exhibit anticancer

properties through various underlying mechanisms. Our review aims to provide information

on various cancer and their association with certain diets and dietary components. If these

dietary measures are undertaken in an appropriate way, it is possible to prevent half of the

cancer cases as well as enhance the individual’s quality of life in known cases.

KEYWORDS: Cancer, Diet, lifestyle.

INTRODUCTION

Cancer is a large group of diseases that can start in almost any organ or tissue of the body

when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, go beyond their usual boundaries to invade

adjoining parts of the body. It is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10

million deaths in 2020 as per the latest WHO update. The most commonly newly diagnosed

cancer cases were Breast Cancer (2.26 million), followed by Lung Cancer (2.21 million) and

Colorectal Cancer (1.93 million).[1]

WORLD JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES

SJIF Impact Factor 7.632

Volume 10, Issue 8, 1015-1025 Review Article ISSN 2278 – 4357

*Corresponding Author

Nithyanandan S.

Pharm D Student, PES

College of Pharmacy,

Bangalore, India. 560050.

Article Received on

04 June 2021,

Revised on 24 June 2021,

Accepted on 14 July 2021

DOI: 10.20959/wjpps20218-19594


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Many studies have been conducted with regards to concerns about the dietary factors and its

link with the cancer. Basically good nutrition is important because both the diseases and it’s

treatment can change the way we consume diet.[2]

Both can affect our body tolerance level

with certain foods and way of utilizing the nutrients. Some of the dietary factors have been

thought to account for 30% of cancers in Western countries, making diet secondmost

preventable cause of cancer after tobacco.[3]

Therefore it is essential to maintain a well

balanced nutritional therapy which is the primary key for cancer patients to keep a healthy

body weight, maintain adequate strength and for healthy function of tissues and organs and

also decrease side effects both during and after the treatment. The current review aims to

provide a closer look and information on the risk factors as well as prevention with certain

foods in relation to Cancer.

Risk factors associated with certain food which contribute to increase in cancer risk

1. Processed meat:– Processed meat is the meat that has been treated to preserve its flavor

by certain procedures like salting, curing or smoking. Processed meats basically includes

hot dogs, ham, bacon, chorizo, salami. The processed meat dietary pattern is found to

have higher risk of tumor recurrence , metastasis and death among patients suffering from

colorectal cancer.[4]

There has also been a study found where women who had consistent

intake of processed meat had 4-6 fold elevated risk of breast cancer.[5]

The exact

mechanism with respect to processed meat is unknown but some of the carcinogens such

as N-nitroso compounds (NOCs) and also mutagens like heterocyclic amines and

polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons has been shown to contribute towards Colorectal and

breast cancer.

Figure 1: Processed meat swaps. Source: American cancer society.


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2. High sugary foods:- Certain foods like Flavoured yogurt, Sauces, Desserts, Sugary

drinks, Packaged fruit juices surprisingly contain high amount of sugars which on

consumption increases the risk of cancer by promoting insulin resistance, inflammation,

oxidative stress and body adiposity. Body adiposity/obesity in turn increases the risk of

colorectum and breast cancer in postmenopausal women.[3]

Insulin resistance caused by

high glycemic load has also been related to breast cancer. Consumption of both sugary

drinks and packaged fruit juices is associated with a higher risk of overall cancer.[6,7]

Figure 2: Amount of sugar present in different sugary drinks.

3. Refined carbohydrates:– Refined carbohydrates are the ones which are deprived of

essential micronutrients and fibers like refined grains, table sugar, corn syrups.

Carbohydrate rich diet increases the blood glucose and insulin levels, which in turn is

involved in the etiology of colorectal, breast and endometrium cancer.[8]

The risk of

Colorectal cancer depends mainly on the quality of the carbohydrate consumed rather

than the overall quantity. A diet rich in low carbohydrate is associated with a reduced risk

of disease. In addition, deficiency of micronutrients and it’s effect on the cancer has been

a primary focus in developing countries.


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Figure 3: Sources of carbohydrates.

4. Dairy products:- Higher intakes of dairy products or calcium have chances of 11% or

39% to develop prostate cancer in men.[9]

They act by suppressing the production of 1,

25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 which is an active form of vitamin D 3, which binds to vitamin

D receptors and inhibits proliferation of normal and malignant prostate cells. High intake

of cow’s milk contributes to male reproductive disorders because of its high estrogen

content and increased risk of ovarian cancer. High milk consumption increases the plasma

IGF-1 levels in middle-aged person, adolescents and children which is positively

associated with the risk of prostate cancer.[9,10]

Figure 4: Different dairy products.


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Food and it’s chemical components that aids in prevention of cancer

1. Antioxidants:- Specific groups of food helps in preventing cancer and also aid in fighting

the disease in a known cancer case. These elements are called as chemo-protective agents

commonly known as antioxidants which are helpful in preventing all types of cancer.

Antioxidants neutralizes free radicals, thus inhibiting the agents that are responsible for

the cause and worsening of the disease. Various substances have the property and can

function as antioxidants. Vitamin C is the most common antioxidant which are found in

Citrus fruits namely Lemon, orange, gooseberries, broccoli. Few other common ones are

vitamin E, beta-carotene, and other related carotenoid and also elements like Selenium

and Zinc. Catechins, found in tea have significantly shown to decrease risk for cancer.[11]

Figure 5: Few antioxidant rich foods.

2. Phytochemicals:- Phytonutrients or phytochemicals are plant compounds such as

carotenoids, lycopene, resveratrol, and phytosterols that are thought to have health-

protecting abilities against various types of cancer. Few foods that are rich in

phytochemicals are blueberries, strawberries, broccoli, grapes, garlic, soyabeans. It has

been found that they should be consumed through foods rather than taking as supplements

or pills.[2]

They reduce inflammation which is linked to increased cancer risk, enhance

immune system, and have many other protective properties against cancer.


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Figure 6: Naturally occurring phytochemical foods.

3. Fruits, Vegetables and Fibre:– Fruits and vegetables are complex foods, each

containing more than 100 potentially beneficial vitamins, minerals, fibre, and other

substances that may help for cancer prevention. They are also rich in specific

phytochemicals and antioxidants which are known to have protective effects. Surplus and

adequate consumption of fruits, vegetables have shown a lower risk of lung and colon

cancer.[12]

People who ate least amount of fruits and vegetables were at twice the risk

compared to those who ate most fruits and vegetables. In lung cancer, after accounting for

smoking, increased consumption of fruits and vegetables adds up to 20 to 33 percent

reduction in lung cancers.[13]

In general diet to prevent cancer should include at least 400

g/d of total fruits and vegetables. Fibres increases bulk of the stool and also enhance the

elimination through the colon, thus inhibiting the colonic mucosa from absorbing the

carcinogens. They also increase the excretion of estrogens and decrease the plasma

estradiol concentrations, fibre rich environment in the colon suppresses the absorption of

estrogens in the gut, thereby reducing the total estrogen content in the body which leads

to reduction in occurrence of breast cancer.[5]

Legumes are a rich source of dietary fibres

and variety of micronutrients with cancer protective effects.


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Figure 7: High fibre foods.

4. Probiotics:- Probiotics are the good bacteria that reside in the intestinal tract and have a

symbiotic relationship with the host. They have the ability to maintain the homeostasis

and sustainable physicochemical conditions in the colon, and also have a significant role

in immunomodulation and antitumor properties thereby reducing the risk of colon

cancer.[14]

Probiotic bacteria are capable of activating phagocytes which have the ability

to eliminate the early-stage cancer cells. It is likely that in the coming few years, probiotic

bacteria as well as gut microbiota will be an important consideration in cancer prevention

and treatment.

Figure 8: Best probiotic food.


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5. Few specific diets

a. Ketogenic diet:- Ketogenic diet (keto diet) comprises of low-carbohydrate , high-fat with

adequate amounts of protein that has shown many health benefits and benefits against

cancer. The mechanism involved behind keto diet is that it reduces carbohydrate intake

replacing with fat, this process in which there is reduction of carbohydrates puts the body

into a metabolic state called as ketosis this in turn helps in efficient burning of fat for

energy which significantly reduces blood sugar and insulin levels. It has also proven that

it sensitizes most of the cancer cells which in contradictory to standard treatment acts as

adjuvant cancer by destroying their reprogrammed metabolism. It also has the potential to

limit the tumor growth, acts an shield for healthy cells from any damage by chemotherapy

or radiation and reduces inflammation.[15]

In comparison to anticancer drugs and standard

treatments, keto diets are inexpensive, easy to implement and well tolerated.

Figure 9: Calorie distribution of ketogenic diet.

b. Mediterranean diet:- The Mediterranean diet is one of the healthy and sustainable

dietary pattern which promotes health and prevent chronic diseases along with cancer.

The diet typically consists of high vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds and

olive oil which are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients. They exhibit the

property of inhibition of oxidative and inflammatory processes, circumvent DNA

damages, cell proliferation, cell survival and angiogenesis. When adhered to the

Mediterranean diet, it has shown to have reduced mortality rates from breast, colorectal,

prostate, liver, respiratory, pancreatic cancers.[16]


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Figure 10: Mediterranean diet.

DISCUSSION

Cancer is one of the greatest public health challenges faced worldwide which it to be given

utmost care but unfortunately many of the nations in the world have failed to significantly

enhance the efficacy of standard anticancer therapies. It is estimated that about half of all

cancer cases and deaths worldwide are potentially preventable with better diet measures and

lifestyle. When a diet is compiled according to the standard guidelines, it is likely that there

would be at least 60-70 percent decrease in breast, colorectal and prostate cancers and 40-50

percent decrease in lung cancer. Cancer patients and survivors should be encouraged to have

a healthy diet and lifestyle to reduce health risks and improve survival rate. Diet is important

for post-diagnosis support along with standard treatments. It is important for the patient that

he/she has been recommended the diet according to their needs before, during and after the

treatment is completed to improve the quality of life. From the information available through

different sources, we have summarised the link between different types of cancer and dietary

forms, however there is no guaranteed diet for preventing cancer in full and further more

research is required for a well known established link.

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PREVENTION AND RISK FACTORS OF CANCER RELATED TO DIET

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