Interviews with Prevention Experts While the cancer prevention field continues to evolve and move forward, tamoxifen is the only drug approved to lower the risk of cancer. Given what we know today, what do you think is the best strategy for lowering the risk of cancer? John Milner, Ph.D., chief of the nutrition science research group at NCI's Division of Cancer Prevention: The best strategy for reducing the risk of cancer is to increase fruit and vegetable consumption and decrease total caloric intake. It's not terribly sexy, but that's reality. We have a very high incidence of obesity in this country, so people are not hearing even that simple message. There are likely going to be cases in which certain foods or food components ought to be consumed in higher quantities. We are probably going to find out that individual needs vary and that certain kinds of food may be needed in higher quantities to reduce risk. That's where we're headed. But we don't know what foods these are, so I think at this point it's wise to eat a variety of foods and enjoy it. Foods should be a pleasure in life. Peter Greenwald, M.D., Dr. P.H., director of NCI's Division of Cancer Prevention: We know that there are several things that people can do to reduce their chances of getting cancer. One is to keep trim, avoid obesity and get some exercise. We know that weight gain as an adult is associated with postmenopausal breast cancer. We know that obesity is associated with cancer of uterus, gall bladder, probably colon cancer and prostate cancer. That's quite solid. We also know that people who eat plenty of vegetables and fruits and whole grains have lower cancer rates. The key message is to keep trim and eat plenty of vegetables and fruits. The specific nutrients, vitamins and minerals are still a subject of research. We don't have completely solid, irrefutable evidence. Source: National Cancer Institute Newscenter, 11/02 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.