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Article
Publication date: 13 March 2017

Suvasish Das Shuvo, Tanvir Ahmad, Dipak Kumar Paul and Md. Ashrafuzzaman Zahid

Breast cancer is the most increasing female cancer worldwide, including Bangladesh. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between dietary patterns and…

Abstract

Purpose

Breast cancer is the most increasing female cancer worldwide, including Bangladesh. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between dietary patterns and knowledge perception of breast cancer risk patients in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey about 27 frequently consumed food items was conducted among 140 patients in Amader Gram Cancer Care & Research Center. A logistic regression was applied to estimate breast cancer risk. Dietary patterns were analyzed by the principal component analysis: the fat-rich foods (meat, oil, etc.), fruits, vegetables, sugar, tea, coffee, eggs and fish patterns.

Findings

The marginal effect of the logit model estimated an increased risk of breast cancer for a“Fatty Diet”, characterized by a higher consumption of milk (1.2 per cent, p < 0.01), vegetable oils and fats, butter (3.7 per cent, p < 0.05) and red meat (4.9 per cent, p < 0.05), but a decreased risk of breast cancer for a “Fruity and Vegetable Diet”, characterized by a higher consumption of fish (1.3 per cent, p < 0.01), chicken and eggs (5.1 per cent, p < 0.05), fruits (0.05 per cent, p < 0.01) and vegetables (2.9 per cent, p < 0.05). The findings of this study also suggested that weight (0.07 per cent, p < 0.01) and age (19 per cent, p < 0.05) were associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, but exercise (13 per cent, p < 0.05) reduced breast cancer risk. The findings also showed that maximum patients had inadequate knowledge on dietary and clinical factors of breast cancer risk, in addition to poor cancer screening practice. Poor knowledge and practice of breast screening were likely to lead to late stage presentation of breast cancer.

Originality/value

The authors found an association between the prudent dietary patterns and breast cancer risk and poor knowledge on nutrition and breast cancer.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 47 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2002

Tracy Williams, Valerie A. Clarke and Sally Savage

Women’s understanding of familial aspects of breast cancer was examined using both focus groups and interviews. The studies covered issues related to perceptions of breast cancer…

1360

Abstract

Women’s understanding of familial aspects of breast cancer was examined using both focus groups and interviews. The studies covered issues related to perceptions of breast cancer risk factors, perceived breast cancer risk, understanding of risk information, and family history of breast cancer as a risk factor. Study 1 consisted of four focus group discussions with women from the general community. Study 2 comprised ten face‐to‐face interviews with women who had a family history of breast cancer. The results in combination indicate a fairly high level of awareness of family history as a risk factor for breast cancer. However, the definition of a familial history of breast cancer differed between the groups, with those without a family history being more inclusive than those with such a history. The paper concludes with suggestions for use by those developing resources materials for those with a familial history of breast cancer.

Details

Health Education, vol. 102 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 July 2009

S. Sarkar

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have become widespread pollutants and now represent a global contamination problem. The presence of POPs in human serum and adipose tissues…

811

Abstract

Purpose

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have become widespread pollutants and now represent a global contamination problem. The presence of POPs in human serum and adipose tissues have raised public concern regarding their possible role as important etiologic agents in the development of human cancer. This paper aims to investigate the extent of environmental contamination with pesticides and their association with women's risk of breast cancer.

Design/methodology/approach

Various stages of carcinogenesis (initiation, promotion, progression), causes and risk factors associated with breast cancer are delineated. A possible mechanism of xenoestrogen and its association with breast cancer incidences in women is included. Recommendations for reducing breast cancer risks in women are also given.

Findings

Epidemiological studies have revealed that persistent pesticide residues in human serum and adipose tissues may increase women's risk of breast cancer. Women are at a greater risk than men of pesticide exposure. The association between organochlorine compounds and breast cancer is a controversial issue and there exists an exigency to execute extensive worldwide epidemiological studies under identical conditions of detected compounds, blood sampling procedures and analytical techniques to achieve conclusive results.

Practical implications

Women's risk of breast cancer associated with pesticide residues could be subjugated by avoiding prolonged occupational exposures, adopting precautionary measures, and changing lifestyle and dietary habits.

Originality/value

The paper shows that restrictions on the application of POPs and the avoidance of prolonged occupational exposure would result in lower concentrations of POP in blood, serum and adipose tissue, thus minimising women's risk of breast cancer.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 39 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2006

Becky Chandler

This paper provides an overview on the links among diet, obesity and cancer prevention. It also highlights a study which confirms that following specific diet and health…

4248

Abstract

Purpose

This paper provides an overview on the links among diet, obesity and cancer prevention. It also highlights a study which confirms that following specific diet and health recommendations can help prevent cancer.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature searches were conducted to find the most up‐to‐date and relevant literature on diet, obesity and cancer to be included in this paper.

Findings

The World Cancer Report predicts that worldwide new cases of cancer will increase by 50 per cent by 2020 and will present a huge challenge for health and cancer support services. However, it is estimated that eating healthily, staying physically active and maintaining a healthy body weight could reduce cancer risk by 30–40 per cent. Evidence suggests that a plant‐based diet including fibre rich foods and a wide range of vitamins and minerals may offer cancer protection, while obesity and low levels of physical activity may increase cancer risk. In 1997 World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and the American Institute of Cancer Research (AICR) produced a pioneering international report: Food Nutrition and the Prevention of Cancer: A Global Perspective. The report drew attention to several links between diet and cancer prevention, and made diet and health recommendations to guide health policy and help reduce cancer risk. Adhering to these guidelines has now been shown to predict risk of and mortality from cancer. WCRF/AICR are compiling a second report which will systematically review published research on food, nutrition (including obesity), physical activity and cancer prevention. Also included will be the new and emerging area of nutrition and lifestyle factors for cancer survivors.

Originality/value

Information is presented to give non‐experts a general, up‐to‐date overview on the links between diet, obesity and cancer prevention.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 36 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2003

Sandra C. Jones

Pamphlets are widely used by health authorities to inform the public about diseases, and it is essential that the information therein is accurate. This study reviewed the…

Abstract

Pamphlets are widely used by health authorities to inform the public about diseases, and it is essential that the information therein is accurate. This study reviewed the consistency of information on breast cancer screening in materials produced and distributed by Australian health authorities. The study found that there was a clear lack of consensus in terms of the stated lifetime risk of breast cancer; while most agreed that being a woman and increasing age were the major risk factors, there was far less agreement about other risk factors, and the specific representation of symptoms was one of the areas of greatest inconsistency. It appears that this lack of consensus is not unique to Australia, but exists in other countries. Material produced by health authorities is seen by the general public as “expert” opinion, and should be able to correct inaccurate perceptions generated by exposure to other sources. There is a need to develop and disseminate messages that provide women with an accurate understanding of breast cancer and breast cancer screening.

Details

Health Education, vol. 103 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 July 2019

Amir Bagheri, Seyed Mostafa Nachvak, Hadi Abdollahzad and Farzad Mohammadi

Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI)-2010, an index that determines the quality of a diet, was created to predict the risk of chronic diseases. Nevertheless, it is unclear…

Abstract

Purpose

Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI)-2010, an index that determines the quality of a diet, was created to predict the risk of chronic diseases. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether this index can predict the risk of prostate cancer, one of the most prevalent cancers among men around the world. The study aims to investigate the association between adherence to the AHEI-2010 and the risk of prostate cancer in Iranian men.

Design/methodology/approach

The case–control study was conducted in Kermanshah, Iran in the year 2016. The study included 50 cases of Iranian men with prostate cancer and 150 healthy controls. Anthropometric indices were measured by bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA). The AHEI-2010 included 11 food components that were assessed by using a 147-item food frequency questionnaire. A multivariate logistic regression was performed to analyze the association of the AHEI-2010 (expressed as a dichotomous variable) with prostate cancer.

Findings

As per the analysis, there were no significant differences in age, body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) between case and control groups, statistically. After adjustment for potential confounders, the higher AHEI-2010 scores were associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer (OR AHEI > 55 vs ≤ 55 = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.11-0.63). Moreover, the Mean of AHEI scores was higher in controls than in the cases (p <0.001).

Originality/value

The authors’ findings suggest that adherence to the dietary patterns with high scores of AHEI-2010 is associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer, so this index may be used as an effective measure to predict prostate cancer.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. 50 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 3 April 2019

Rose Chalo Nabirye and Adriane Kamulegeya

The purpose of this paper is to assess the levels of awareness and knowledge about oral cancer, its causes and or risk factors among Ugandan patients seeking oral healthcare.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the levels of awareness and knowledge about oral cancer, its causes and or risk factors among Ugandan patients seeking oral healthcare.

Design/methodology/approach

This was a cross-sectional study on adult patients who attended a free dental camp. An assistant-administered questionnaire either in English or Luganda was provided to every even-numbered registered adult who consented to participate in the study. Information on demographics and known risk factors for oral cancer were captured. The two knowledge questions on oral cancers were scored by adding up all the correctly identified causes, non-causes and risk factors then scored out of the total. Data analysis was done by calculating proportions, Student’s’ t-tests and χ2 tests with significant p-value set at 0.05.

Findings

The results showed a low level of awareness/knowledge about oral cancer in studied population. In total, 60 percent and less than 50 percent of respondents identified smoking and alcohol use as risk factors for oral cancer, respectively. Majority of respondents (88.8 percent) would seek help from medical personnel if diagnosed with oral cancer. Screening for cancer was low despite awareness and knowledge that it improves the chances of successful treatment.

Research limitations/implications

Emphasis on risk factors including alcohol use in public health messages, use of mass media, religious and community leaders to disseminate messages to the communities and further research were recommended.

Practical implications

We need to emphasize the role of alcohol in oral cancer causation just as we do for tobacco consumption.

Originality/value

No study has been conducted in Uganda on the level of awareness yet the incidence of the disease and use of high-risk products are rising.

Details

Journal of Health Research, vol. 33 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2586-940X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 June 2018

Amir Bagheri, Seyed Mostafa Nachvak, Hadi Abdollahzad, Peshawa Arzhang, Mansour Rezaei, Yahya Pasdar, Mahmoud Reza Moradi and Farzad Mohammadi

It has been suggested that there is a link between the dietary intake of certain nutrients and the risk of prostate cancer. The aim of this study is to examine the associations…

Abstract

Purpose

It has been suggested that there is a link between the dietary intake of certain nutrients and the risk of prostate cancer. The aim of this study is to examine the associations between dietary intakes of all nutrients and the risk of prostate cancer in Kermanshah.

Design/methodology/approach

This case-control study was conducted in Kermanshah, a province in the west of Iran in November of 2016. The sample consisted of 50 patients with confirmed prostate cancer, and 150 healthy men who matched in age with these cases and did not have any symptoms of prostate disorder were chosen as controls. Dietary intakes were collected by a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire that contained 147 food items and were then analyzed by Nutritionist 4 software.

Findings

After adjustment for potential confounding factor, highest tertile compared to lowest tertile of dietary vitamin E intake [odds ratio (OR) = 0.21; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.05-0.89], lycopene intake (OR = 0.11; 95% CI = 0.01-0.86) and magnesium intake (OR = 0.02; 95% CI = 0.01-0.55) had a protective effect on the incidence of prostate cancer. However, there were no associations between dietary intakes of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate and calcium with prostate cancer.

Originality/value

The finding suggests that the dietary intakes of vitamin E, lycopene and magnesium could decrease the risk of prostate cancer. Nevertheless, dietary intake of other nutrients such as fiber, calcium, vitamins D, A, B12 and folate was not associated with prostate cancer.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 48 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2005

Lindsay McCauley and Barbara Demmig‐Adams

The purpose of this literature review is to examine the relationship between soy consumption and breast cancer risk since soy isoflavones, such as genistein, are currently…

923

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this literature review is to examine the relationship between soy consumption and breast cancer risk since soy isoflavones, such as genistein, are currently discussed as possible breast cancer‐fighting agents in the Asian diet.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken is to summarize and evaluate the available literature on the effect of soy, and the Asian diet, on breast cancer risk.

Findings

A key finding of the current analysis is that the effect of genistein depends strongly on dosage and developmental stage during which exposure occurs. The overall conclusion and value of this comprehensive analysis is that the available evidence does not support a recommendation for increased soy consumption as a breast cancer‐preventing agent against the background of a Western diet. Instead, additional general components of the Asian diet, such as fish and plant‐based food, may be involved in lowering breast cancer risk.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation to drawing final conclusions at this time is that further research is clearly needed to better understand the overall effect of soy and other dietary factors.

Practical implications

The practical implication for health care providers, nutritionists, and consumers is therefore a recommendation to avoid isoflavone supplements and enhanced soy consumption alone at this time without an increased intake of the other Asian diet components.

Originality/value

This review arrives at new conclusions about the connection between soy and breast cancer that are summarized under findings and should be valuable for health care providers, nutritionists, and consumers

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 35 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 November 2017

Shahab Alizadeh, Sakineh Shab-Bidar, Nasser Mohtavinejad and Kurosh Djafarian

Dietary patterns have been used to explore the association between dietary factors and risk of pancreatic cancer (PC) and renal cancer (RC); however, the association remains…

Abstract

Purpose

Dietary patterns have been used to explore the association between dietary factors and risk of pancreatic cancer (PC) and renal cancer (RC); however, the association remains unclear. The purpose of this paper is to comprehensively review these associations.

Design/methodology/approach

Pertinent studies published prior to March 2016 were systematically searched and retrieved through PubMed and Scopus databases. Adjusted risk estimates were derived by comparing the highest with the lowest categories of dietary pattern scores and were combined by using the fixed-effects model when no substantial heterogeneity was observed; otherwise, the random-effects model was used.

Findings

A total of nine studies, five for PC (including 2,059 cases and 41,774 participants/controls) and four for RC (with 1,327 cases and 53,007 participants/controls), were included in this meta-analysis. A decreased risk of PC was shown for the highest compared with the lowest categories of the healthy dietary pattern (OR = 0.72, 95 per cent CI = 0.51-0.94, random effects (p-value for heterogeneity = 0.004)), whereas no significant association with Western dietary was observed (OR = 1.16, 95 per cent CI = 0.87-1.44, fixed effects). In the overall analysis, a significant association was found between the healthy dietary pattern and reduced risk of RC (OR = 0.59, 95 per cent CI = 0.48-0.71, fixed effects (p-value for heterogeneity = 0.459)), whereas the Western pattern was positively associated with risk of RC (OR = 1.42, 95 per cent CI = 1.14-1.69, fixed effects). For both cancers, the reduced risk associated with the healthy pattern was restricted to case-control, but not cohort, studies. Furthermore, drinking pattern was significantly related to reduced risk of RC (OR = 0.68, 95 per cent CI = 0.42-0.94).

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, the present study is the first English document to summarize systematically the findings from observational studies in response to this question whether a posteriori dietary patterns are associated with susceptibility to the risk of renal and ovarian cancers.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 47 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

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