What Do You Know About Nutrition and Cancer?
A diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is important for good health. What effect does diet have on your risk for cancer? Find out by taking this quiz, based in part on information from the American Cancer Society (ACS).
1. Eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day may reduce your risk for certain types of cancer.
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According to the ACS, adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables may help prevent cancers of the mouth and pharynx, esophagus, stomach, colon-rectum, larynx, lung, ovary, bladder, and kidney.
2. Eating high-fat animal foods such as red meat won't increase your cancer risk.
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Limiting how much high-fat red meat you eat may lower your risk for certain cancers. High-fat diets may increase your risk for prostate cancer, according to the ACS. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends choosing lean cuts of red meat and limiting how much you eat to no more than 18 ounces (cooked weight) per week, because studies show this amount doesn't raise cancer risk.
3. Studies suggest that people who consume lots of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin A, and carotenoids) from food sources have a lower cancer risk.
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People who consume antioxidants in supplement form may not receive the same protection, according to the ACS.
4. Limiting your intake of preserved meats may reduce your cancer risk.
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The ACS says that eating large amounts of preserved meats such as lunch meat, ham, and hot dogs may increase the risk for colorectal and stomach cancers.
5. Eating plenty of foods made from grains, such as bread and cereal, is good for your heart, but may not have an effect on your risk for cancer.
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The ACS says that the possible association between fiber and cancer prevention needs more study. Dietary fiber, however, has proven health benefits: It helps reduce your cholesterol levels, lowering your risk for heart disease.
6. Eating lots of cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage) may reduce your cancer risk.
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Doing so may reduce your risk of colorectal cancer, the ACS says.
7. Using artificial sweeteners can increase your cancer risk.
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This hasn't been proved, the ACS says.
8. Drinking red wine or other alcoholic beverages can reduce your cancer risk.
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Doing so may reduce your risk of heart disease, but alcohol consumption increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, esophagus, liver, and breast, the ACS says.
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