Question

List any two dietary excesses that can increase the risk of cancer development and explain how these excesses exert their effects.

Answer 1

DIETARY EXCESSES THAT CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF CANCER DEVELOPMENT ARE:

• Excessive sugar and carbohydrate intake ( refined carbohydrates)
• Consumption of Meat
• Excessive intake of dairy

HOW THEY POSSESS THE RISK OF CANCER DEVELOPMENT?

1. Food items that are high in sugar and low in fibre content show a link to higher cancer risk. These type of food causes increase in the blood glucose levels and studies show that diet that causes blood glucose levels to escalate is associated with increased risk of certain type of cancers such as stomach cancer, breast cancer and colorectal cancer.
   • It is stipulated that higher blood glucose and insulin are cancer risk factors. Studies show that insulin stimulates cell division hence helping in growth and development of cancers.
   • Also higher glucose and insulin levels can contribute to inflammation. In the long run, this can cause growth of abnormal cells and possibly contribute to cancer.
2. By consumption of meat we mean consumption of red meat and processed meat. Processed meat is considered to be a potential carcinogen. Studies show a increased risk for colorectal cancer among people consuming high amounts of red meat and processed meat.
   • It has been found that Red meat and processed meat affect cancer risk because naturally occurring chemicals formed during digestion have been found to damage the cells that form the lining of the bowel.
   • Nitrates and nitrites here can also be digested and converted into harmful carcinogenic substances.
3. The most common dairy products are milk, cheese, yogurt and cheese. Several observational studies have indicated that high dairy consumption can lead to risk of prostate cancer.
   • It is suggested that , these findings are due to an increased intake of calcium, insulin-like growth factor 1( IGF-1). These provide a weak link to prostate cancer