Diet and colorectal cancer in Portugal
Amaral, T.; de Almeida, M.D.V.; Barros, H.
IARC Scientific Publications 156: 549-552
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-5038 PMID: 12484258 Document Number: 548713
A hospital-based case-control study was conducted between 1993 and 1996 in Porto, Portugal, to evaluate the effect of feeding habits and food and nutrient intake on colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. The dietary intake of 184 CRC patients (104 men and 80 women) and 435 control patients (241 men and 194 women), aged 40 years or older, were determined using a food frequency questionnaire. Lifestyle factors were also determined. Results revealed that for both men and women, high intakes of calcium, dietary fibre, vitamin C and vegetables decreased the risk of CRC. High consumption of folic acid, carotene, fruits and coffee, high alpha -tocopherol/polyenoic fatty acid ratio and low consumption of carbohydrate-rich foods were associated with decreased risk of CRC in women. In men, high intake of fatty red meat, white fish and the habit of non-removal of visible fat in meat increased the risk of CRC. CRC patients consumed more energy, protein, total fat and cholesterol than controls. In men, long-term smoking and low physical activity were also associated with increased risk of CRC.