Nutr J. 2004 Oct 20;3(1):19 [Epub ahead of print]

Nutrition and cancer: A review of the evidence for an anti-cancer diet.

Donaldson MS.

It has been estimated that 30-40 percent of all cancers can be prevented by
lifestyle and dietary measures alone. Obesity, nutrient sparse foods such as
concentrated sugars and refined flour products that contribute to impaired
glucose metabolism (which leads to diabetes), low fiber intake,
consumption of
red meat, and imbalance of omega 3 and omega 6 fats all contribute to excess
cancer risk. Intake of flax seed, especially its lignan fraction, and
abundant
portions of fruits and vegetables will lower cancer risk. Allium and
cruciferous
vegetables are especially beneficial, with broccoli sprouts being the
densest
source of sulforophane. Protective elements in a cancer prevention diet
include
selenium, folic acid, vitamin B-12, vitamin D, chlorophyll, and antioxidants
such as the carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein,
cryptoxanthin). Ascorbic acid has limited benefits orally, but could be very
beneficial intravenously. Supplementary use of oral digestive enzymes and
probiotics also has merit as anticancer dietary measures. When a diet is
compiled according to the guidelines here it is likely that there would
be at
least a 60-70 percent decrease in breast, colorectal, and prostate
cancers, and
even a 40-50 percent decrease in lung cancer, along with similar
reductions in
cancers at other sites. Such a diet would be conducive to preventing
cancer and
would favor recovery from cancer as well.

PMID: 15496224 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Free downloadable pdf  is here:

http://www.nutritionj.com/content/3/1/19

Summary:

-adqequate but not excessive calories
-10 or more servings of vegetables per day, including crucifer and allium,
juice can partly satisfy the goal
-4 or more servings of fruits per day
-high in fiber
-no refined sugar or flour
-low in total fat but containing necessary EFAs
-no red meat
-balance of omega3 and omega6 fats and preformed DHA
-flax seed as source of phytoestrogens
-supplements: 200 mcg selenium, 1000 mcg methylcobalamin, probiotics,
oral enzymes
-very rich in folic acid
-adequate in vitamin D
-very rich in antioxidants, phytochemicals, and cholorphyll

Donaldson is director of research at Hallelujah Acres Foundation,  which
promotes
a high raw diet.