Diet and cancer: An epidemiological view

Abstract

Recent data have shown that the prevalence of cancer in the world has significantly risen in the last century. Cancer epidemiologists believe that it is related to the industrialization and urbanization that occurred during this period. In fact, the cancer incidence and mortality observed in developed countries are higher than in non-developed countries. Moreover, some specific sites of cancer such as colon-rectum, prostate and female mama are more pronounced in developed countries, whereas others as stomach, esophagus and cervix are prevalent in non-developed countries. Different patterns of cancer are also observed among migrants when they migrate to a new country or region. Based on epidemiological data, the association between cancer and diet was analyzed, as well as the changes in some food intake patterns and how they can prevent some types of cancer in the future.