Genesis and Mechanism of Some Cancer Types and an Overview on the Role of Diet and Nutrition in Cancer Prevention

Abstract

Cancer is a major disease with a high mortality rate worldwide. In many countries, cancer is considered to be the second most common cause of death after cardiovascular disease. The clinical management of cancer continues to be a challenge as conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, have limitations due to their toxicity profiles. Unhealthy lifestyle and poor dietary habits are the key risk factors for cancer; having a healthy diet and lifestyle may minimize the risk. Epidemiological studies have shown that a high fruit and vegetable intake in our regular diet can effectively reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancers due to the high contents of antioxidants and phytochemicals. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that phytochemicals exert significant anticancer effects due to their free radical scavenging capacity potential. There has been extensive research on the protective effects of phytochemicals in different types of cancers. This review attempts to give an overview of the etiology of different types of cancers and assesses the role of phytonutrients in the prevention of cancers, which makes the present review distinct from the others available.

Modulation of gut microbiota: The effects of a fruits and vegetables supplement

“…Unfortunately, the continuous exposure to free radicals, present in many harmful substances, can cause cell damage, favoring the onset of various diseases. A positive correlation between the continuous intake of fruits and vegetables and the reduced risk of vascular diseases and cancers has been established (5)(6)(7). Fruit and vegetable nutrients, such as fiber and polyphenols, are known to affect the gut microbial composition (4,8).…”

Colon microbiota modulation by dairy-derived diet: new strategy for prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer

“…While some studies fail to find that diets rich in this type of food reduce the risk of cancers of the colon and rectum, others suggest a protective effect. 29,30 A specific study hypothesises that, in populations for which fruits and vegetables are important determinants of folate status, these may be associated with a lower risk of CRC. 31 The Mediterranean diet has a nutritional pattern associated with various health benefits, including protection against cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and various cancers.…”

“…While some studies fail to find that diets rich in this type of food reduce the risk of cancers of the colon and rectum, others suggest a protective effect. 29,30 A specific study hypothesises that, in populations for which fruits and vegetables are important determinants of folate status, these may be associated with a lower risk of CRC. 31…”

The Effect of β-Carotene, Tocopherols and Ascorbic Acid as Anti-Oxidant Molecules on Human and Animal In Vitro/In Vivo Studies: A Review of Research Design and Analytical Techniques Used

“…Cancer is a major disease and the second leading cause of mortality worldwide, with more than 277 different types of cancer diseases affecting different parts of body (colon, breast, lung, liver, prostate, brain, skin, bladder, renal, stomach etc.) [ 83 , 84 , 85 , 86 ]. Oxidative damage of DNA leads to disruption of genome function, distribution of mutation, selective clonal expansion of the mutated cell and further cancer progression [ 87 , 88 ].…”