What is new in gastrointestinal cancer prevention - a review of the literature 2009-2010

The importance of diet, physical activity and general lifestyle in the prevention of cancer is currently the subject of many studies. Red and processed meat, rich in haem iron, may increase the risk of developing colon cancer. Fruits and vegetables are recommended in large quantities, but only fresh, eaten raw, rather than those preserved in salt. An important factor increasing the risk of gastric cancer is Helicobacter pylori infection. There is a strong emphasis on the role of eradication of these infections in the prevention of gastric cancer. There are ongoing studies on the effectiveness of green tea, although the beneficial effects observed in vitro, unfortunately, are still rarely reflected in epidemiological studies. The importance of physical activity and normal body weight and reducing the consumption of animal fats in favour of plant fats is emphasized. Vitamin supplementation is not recommended since at this stage of research there is no evidence of their efficacy and safety in cancer prevention.