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Research on nutrition and cancer?

Page last modified on: September 29, 2008
Question from Carrie: I've read that there has been an increase of breast cancer in women in Singapore and China as their diets become more urban and westernized. Are researchers getting closer to identifying a nutritional cause or deficit in the diet of women who develop breast cancer?
Answer —Cyndi Thomson, Ph.D., R.D.: Diet is thought to contribute to about 30 percent of all cancers. Although it is a considering factor, it alone is unlikely to be the "cause" of cancer. However, it is clear that the native diets of Singapore appear to be more protective than the westernized diets of the U.S. The take-home message should be to maintain your native diet as much as possible. There are many other factors that can contribute in the culture, not the least of which is reduced physical activity. In addition, Singapore, like most countries, may be experiencing an increase in cases partially because of improved screening and longer life expectancy.

On Wednesday, January 19, 2005, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Nutrition and Weight. Cyndi Thomson, Ph.D., R.D. and Marisa Weiss M.D. answered your questions about nutrition and weight.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Cyndi Thomson, Ph.D., R.D.Cyndi Thomson, Ph.D., R.D. is an associate professor in Nutritional Sciences at the University of Arizona - with joint appointments in medicine and public health.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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