Key Message
Fruit and vegetables are high in nutrients that are potentially protective against
cancer. They also play an important role in weight management. As obesity is a
known risk factor for cancer of the colon, breast (in post-menopausal women),
endometrium, kidney and oesophagus, fruit and vegetables may also protect against
cancer indirectly by helping to maintain a healthy body weight.
Although there has been a slight weakening of the evidence supporting the role of
fruit and vegetables in reducing the risk of some cancers, overall the evidence is
suggestive of a protective effect. Recent studies show that fruit and vegetables are
protective against oral, laryngeal, oesophageal, colorectal and lung cancers.
The association of fruit and vegetable consumption on stomach cancer risk remains
inconclusive, however fruit may possibly be protective. Fruit consumption also
appears to provide protection against bladder cancer.
Fruit and vegetable consumption does not appear to be associated with a lower risk
of prostate, breast or ovarian cancer. However, one meta-analysis suggests that
tomato consumption may reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
The Cancer Council supports the Australian Dietary Guidelines that recommend
eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, and the population recommendation of at least
two serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables daily.
Because the knowledge is still incomplete about the ways in which nutrients may
reduce cancer risk, The Cancer Council also recommends that people eat a variety
of different fruit and vegetables to obtain maximum benefits. Fruit and vegetables
are best consumed fresh and whole (i.e. not in a supplement form) and consumption
of both cooked and raw vegetables are recommended.
For people already diagnosed with cancer, there is some evidence that a diet high in
fruit and vegetables is not of significant benefit, but is unlikely to be harmful. The
Cancer Council recommends the general community guidelines of two serves of
fruit and five serves of vegetables daily for cancer survivors.
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Position Statement - Vegetables, fruit and cancer [
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