Fruit, Veggies Tied to Lower Pancreatic Cancer Risk
(NY, Reuters Health, 4/1/05)

Dr. Parviz Ghadirian of the University of Montreal, Canada, and associates, used data from a large study of Canadians diagnosed with cancer between 1994 and 1997 to compare 585 pancreatic cancer patients with 4,779 disease-free adults. The investigators analyzed lifestyle questionnaires, which included responses to queries on how often the subjects had eaten specific foods during the past two years. The researchers found that eating more fresh fruit and cruciferous vegetables—like broccoli and cauliflower—was associated with a reduced risk of developing pancreatic cancer in men. Scientists speculate that the antioxidants in the fruits and vegetables may prevent the development of malignancies by mopping up cell-damaging free radicals before they can cause harm. These results are consistent with the findings of numerous other studies that have shown that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help ward off cancer.

(International Journal of Cancer, May 1, 2005)