04/29/98 More vegetables and fruits, less meat may help prevent breast cancer, according to JADA

More vegetables and fruits, less meat may help prevent breast cancer, according to JADA

Press Release

Wednesday, April 29, 1998

Media Contacts:
M. Johnna Thomas and Michael Schiferl
E-mail: media@eatright.org
(Please do not publish/broadcast contact information.)

MORE VEGETABLES AND FRUITS, LESS MEAT MAY HELP
PREVENT BREAST CANCER, ACCORDING TO JADA

CHICAGO--Women who have a low-fat diet and eat plenty of vegetables and fruits may lessen their risk for breast cancer, according to a new study in the May 1998 issue of The Journal of The American Dietetic Association (JADA).

The study examined the relationship between intake of specific foods--namely meats, vegetables and fruits--with levels of oxidative DNA damage in women consuming their own usual diet or a diet low in fat. The 21 women participating in the study were healthy, but had an increased risk for breast cancer because they had a close relative with breast cancer.

"Everyone has damaged DNA from which cancer can potentially develop. The question is whether or not a healthier diet can reduce or repair the damaged DNA levels," says Cyndi Thomson, R.D. (registered dietitian), ADA spokesperson and researcher at the University of Arizona's Cancer Center in Tucson. "And, this study shows that eating more vegetables and fruits while eating meats in moderation has a positive effect."

The most significant reductions in DNA damage levels resulted from increased consumption of vegetables. Specifically, women who consumed more vegetables--especially cooked vegetables--had lower DNA damage levels, while those who consumed more beef and pork showed higher DNA damage levels.

Although preliminary, these results reinforce what nutrition experts have been saying all along. Thomson notes the need for more research and says, "Diet is not the be-all, end-all cure for cancer, but it's one step Americans can take against cancer. In this case, eating more vegetables to improve the repair of damaged DNA in our bodies."

According to The American Dietetic Association, consumers can easily get all the nutrients they need to stay healthy by following the Food Guide Pyramid.

The American Dietetic Association is the nation's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. With nearly 70,000 members, ADA serves the public through the promotion of optimal nutrition, health and well-being.

To request a complete copy of this or other JADA studies or to interview an expert, e-mail ADA's Public Relations Team at media@eatright.org.

Highlighted study:

Oxidative DNA damage levels in blood from women at high risk for breast cancer are associated with dietary intakes of meats, vegetables, and fruits, Journal of The American Dietetic Association, May 1998, Volume 98, Number 5, pages 524 - 528. Authors: Djuric, Z., Depper, J., Uhley, V., Smith, D., Lababidi, S., Martino, S., Heilbrun, L.