FRUIT & VEGGIES CUT MEN'S PANCREATIC CANCER RISK

Wondering what to get dear old dad this Father's Day, June 19th? Give him a fruit and veggie basket and you may be decreasing his risk of pancreatic cancer.

According to University of Montreal researchers, men with the highest fruit and vegetable intakes are about half as likely to develop pancreatic cancer as those with the lowest intakes. In particular, the tomato compound lycopene (also highly concentrated in watermelon, red bell pepper and pink grapefruit) conferred protective benefits. Women's pancreatic cancer risk also declined relative to lycopene levels, but less significantly (9% lower risk compared to men's 31% risk reduction).

While pancreatic cancer accounts for just 2% of new cancer cases in the United States, it's the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths, making prevention key. By increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, and eliminating processed meats like hot dogs and sausage -- which, as we discussed in a recent newsletter, can threaten prostate health -- both genders can protect against pancreatic cancer.


http://www.dole.com/NutritionInstituteLanding/NI_Articles/NI_NutritionNewsDesk/NI_NutritionNewsDesk_Details/tabid/990/Default.aspx?contentid=9614