Cancer and diet in Mexico

Abstract:

Cancer is one of the leading mortality causes in Mexico. In recent years, the incidence of many cancers in Mexico has increase. Although several factors are related to this disease, including age, genetic, sex, and life style, dietary habits are strongly related to some types of cancer. It is possible that urbanization and globalization of the Mexican society, which has caused important changes in the Mexican diet, are related to this health transition. The objective of this research was to investigate the relation between cancer incidence and food consumption data in Mexico. Information from the National Nutrition survey together with the latest cancer incidence data from the Mexican Ministry of Health was used. Univariate and Multivariate analysis techniques were used to study the relationship between cancer incidence and food consumption in different regions of Mexico. Statistical analysis found that the regions with higher than average incidence of certain cancers (colon, stomach, prostate and breast) had lower consumption of fruits, vegetables, dietary fiber and some vitamins. Regions with high consumption of fats, carbohydrates and high average values of body mass index, also had high cancer incidence values. Regions with a higher proportion of rural population and a more traditional diet, with a higher consumption of dietary fiber from whole grain products, such as corn tortillas, had in general, lower cancer incidence. These results suggest that the new dietary pattern in Mexico may lack the cancer protective effects of a more traditional diet. It is important to revaluate some traditional foods for their disease protecting effects

Año de publicación:

2004

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