Bread Consumption Connected to Common Cancer

Ivanhoe Newswire
Friday, October 20, 2006; 12:00 AM

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Your diet may play a role in your risk for kidney cancer. A new study reveals those who eat a lot of bread are at greater risk for developing the disease.

Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer and accounts for 2 percent of all adult cancers. While previous research indicates that diet plays a role in the risk for this disease, research looking at different foods has been inconclusive. Investigators in Italy conducted the latest study, which included more than 2,300 Italians.

For the study, researchers included 767 adults diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma and 1,534 healthy adults that were matched by gender, age range, and location. Researchers collected information on all participants including sociodemographic information, lifestyle habits and personal and family medical history. Participants also completed a two-year, 78-item food frequency questionnaire. Then, researchers analyzed the data.

Study authors report there was a direct association between bread consumption and the risk for renal cell carcinoma. Those who ate more bread had a higher risk for the disease. They also report eating a lot of pasta and rice may also raise the risk. On the flip side, they found foods that decrease the risk of the cancer include poultry, processed meat and all vegetables, both raw and cooked.

Researchers conclude that this study confirms diet may play a role in the risk of kidney cancer with high levels of bread increasing the risk and vegetable consumption decreasing the risk.

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SOURCE: The International Journal of Cancer, published online Oct. 20, 2006