DIETARY RISK-FACTORS FOR CANCER AND ADENOMAS OF THE LARGE-INTESTINE -A CASE-CONTROL STUDY WITHIN A SCREENING TRIAL IN DENMARK

The aims of the study were to estimate the importance of dietary habit s for colorectal cancers and adenomas. By comparing risk factors among cancer and adenoma patients the adenoma cancer theory was indirectly evaluated. The study was performed as a case-control study within a la rge screening trial in Denmark. All cancer and adenoma patients diagno sed at the screening were recruited as cases; controls were selected a mong test negatives after matching for age, sex and time of screening. All those selected except 85, participated in a 7-day dietary recall. Altogether 49 colorectal cancer patients and 172 with adenomas were e xamined; 362 individuals who were test negatives in the Hemoccult-II s creen served as controls. The intake of crude dietary fibres was shown to be associated with reduced risk of cancer as well as adenomas. Nei ther cancer nor adenoma occurrences were related to total energy intak e or body mass. Vitamins E and A were negatively associated with adeno ma occurrence.