Gipuzko researchers find Western diet a ‘risk factor’ for cancer

The starting point was nothing less than research into the relationship between diet, nutritional status, lifestyle, environmental factors and the incidence of cancer and other chronic diseases. To do this, between 1992 and 1996, the researchers recruited more than 41,000 subjects, including about 8,400 Gipuzkoans, who tracked their anthropometric, sociodemographic, physical activity, diet, alcohol and tobacco consumption data and analyzed the influence that diet may have an impact on these people. who have developed cancer.

In three published studies, people with high adherence to the Western diet showed a double risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer, a 37% higher risk of breast cancer, and a 53% higher risk of colorectal cancer. On the other hand, strict adherence to the Prudente diet was not associated with the risk of developing any of the tumors studied. Finally, participants with high adherence to the Mediterranean diet had a 16% lower risk of developing colorectal cancer than those with low adherence.

Thus, the study’s findings suggest that it is “beneficial” to reduce the consumption of processed meats, sugary soft drinks, packaged juices, sweets, baked goods or prepared foods and, on the other hand, to “increase” the presence of whole fruits. , vegetables, legumes, fish and olive oil in the diet.