A Perspective on Diet, Nutrition, and Cancer

doi:10.1001/jama.1984.03340350045026

A Perspective on Diet, Nutrition, and Cancer

Michael W. Pariza, PhD

From the Department of Food Microbiology and Toxicology, Food Research Institute, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Abstract

This communication (1) reviews the controversy surrounding dietary recommendations aimed at reducing the incidence of cancer; (2) presents the somewhat conflicting conclusions of two National Research Council committees; (3) discusses a critique of these conclusions prepared by the Council on Agricultural Science and Technology; and (4) summarizes some of the epidemiologic data presented at a recent workshop conference sponsored by the American Cancer Society. The participants in the latter conference were divided on what advice the public should be given regarding diet, nutrition, and cancer. In a poll, two thirds of the participants indicated either that no advice was warranted or that general advice stressing the desirability of eating in moderation was adequate, based on current scientific knowledge.

(JAMA 1984;251:1455-1458)

Footnotes

Reprint requests to Department of Food Microbiology and Toxicology, Food Research Institute, University of Wisconsin, 1925 Willow Dr, Madison, WI 53706 (Dr Pariza).