Epidemiologic investigations have suggested a relationship between dietary
fat intake and various types of cancer incidences. Furthermore, epidemiolog
ic studies as well as studies with animal models have demonstrated that not
only the amount but also the type of fat consumed is important. At present
, the mechanism by which dietary fat modulates carcinogenesis has not been
elucidated. The effects of dietary fat on the development of tumours have b
een summarized in the present review with emphasis on colorectal, pancreas,
breast and prostate cancer. It is concluded that influence on synthesis of
prostaglandins and leukotrienes may be the universal mechanism by which di
etary fats modulate carcinogenesis. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All righ
ts reserved.