171 Virgin Olive Oil Benefits Cancer incidence and mortality rates show different geographical patterns, with marked differences in the overall tumour burden also between developed and developing countries. A notable example of this uneven geographical distribution can be seen in some of the most common cancers, such as breast (Figure 14.3), colon and rectum, and prostate. This once again suggests that the level of development, environmental factors, and lifestyle are strongly involved in these cancers. Among environmental factors, diet is one of the most important contributors to cancer risk, although the disease is also linked to other factors. It has been estimated that approximately one third of all cancers are caused by an inadequate diet and could be reduced through individual and social actions. The cancers most clearly shown to be related to diet are precisely breast, colon and rectum, and prostate cancers. On the other hand, numerous factors and nutrients play a role in the relationship between nutrition and cancer; however, dietary lipids (fats) are among the most relevant. It is well known that cancer risk is higher in sedentary individuals and/or in those consuming diets very rich in fats. Many experimental and Figure 14.2. Unbalanced diet-associated diseases. The figure highlights (marked with a yellow background) the nutritional factors most clearly associated with cancer (black lowercase letters) and the main cancer types implicated (RED CAPITAL LETTERS). Source: Escrich E, Solanas M, Moral R. Olive oil, and other dietary lipids, in cancer: experimental approaches. In: Quiles JL, Ramírez-Tortosa MC, Yaqoob P, editors. Olive oil and health, Wallingford (UK): CABI Publishing Editorial; 2006, p. 317-374. saturated and ω-6 polyunsaturated fats B REAST CANCER alcohol salt? vitamin C? fi bre OBESITY hypercaloric, diets, sugar, fat, alcohol PROSTATE CANCER saturated and ω-6 polyunsaturated fats, meat potassium?, calcium NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCES NUTRITIONAL EXCESSES ANEMIA HYPERTENSION salt, fat ? f luorine DENTAL CARIES sugar iodine GOITER essential fats? HEART DISEASE saturated fats STOMACH CANCER GALLSTONES DIABETES f ibre? COLORECTAL CANCER calcium?, fluorine? OSTEOPOROSIS vitamin D? OSTEOMALACIA ARTHRITIS iron, folic acid --------►
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