DIET, NUTRITION AND CANCER - THE INDIAN SCENARIO

Cancer continues to be a major health problem despite advances in medi cal technology for its diagnosis and treatment. Hence prevention strat egies are needed to decrease the burden of the disease. Of all the env ironmental factors, dietary components appear to play an important rol e in the initiation/progression of the disease. Nutrients and non-nutr ients in the diet can influence the carcinogenic process at various st ages, from initiation to overt manifestation. The National Institute o f Nutrition has conducted studies on several aspects of diet-cancer in ter-relationships. These include studies on metabolic susceptibility, case-control approach to determine the risk factors and intervention s tudies to determine the role of nutrients and non-nutrient components on preneoplastic events. Extensive work has been carried out demonstra ting the antimutagenic/anticarcinogenic potential of some commonly con sumed spices and vegetables such as turmeric, mustard, green leafy and allium species of vegetables. Dietary intervention for cancer prevent ion is needed to control the disease besides avoiding risk factors suc h as smoking and alcoholism and exposure to genotoxicants. Public educ ation and awareness about the beneficial effects of consuming a health y diet including plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits with spices suc h as turmeric In adequate amounts to prevent cancer are required.