Evaluate the role of eating and drinking in the development of cancer.​

A. Some diets increase the risk for cancer.
1. A diet that includes a great deal of salt-cured and smoked foods and food stored at room temperature constitute a risk.
2. A high-fat diet (and obesity) raises the risk for colon cancer.
B. One estimate proposes that worldwide cancer deaths could be decreased by over 2 million if people increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, but evidence for specific nutrients is lacking.
1. Some research indicates that foods rich in beta-carotene, Vitamin C, and selenium offer protection, but other studies have failed to find benefits.
2. Flavonols are anti-oxidants that may protect against cancer, but the research is not clear at this point.
3. Research has failed to confirm the value of vitamin and mineral supplements; eating foods containing the nutrients is a better choice.
C.Drinking alcohol poses some risk for cancer.
1. Heavy drinking raises the risk for liver cancer.
2. Even light drinking raises the risk for breast cancer.
3. The combination of smoking and drinking has a synergistic effect, which multiply the risk.