Diet and cancer
Cancer is the most common cause of death in Denmark. Approximately 10% of the deaths are attributable to diet and nutrition and 5% are attributable to overweight/obesity and 4% to alcohol.
In this article, we will review the associations between diet, nutrition and cancer. There is strong evidence that overweight/ obesity, alcohol, red and processed meat are related to higher risk of certain cancers – especially cancers of the gastrointestinal tract and breast cancer.
A high intake of dietary fibre is related to a lower risk of especially colorectal cancer. Based on the current evidence, a diet rich in whole grains, pulses, vegetables and fruit is advised. Further preventive health advice is to limit the intake of alcohol, “high-calorie foods” (foods high in sugar or fat), sugary drinks, salt, and red and processed meat.
