The Relationship of Diet and Cancer in Older Women

Not new to many of us, our diet can have a significant impact on the cause of some, if not most cancers. And believe it or not, we through our careless dietary habits can contribute to the ailments that affect us.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) is one type of cancer that has a dietary base. There are basically two types of Lymphoma (cancer of the Lymph nodes or the Lymphatic systems) both affecting different parts of the body and can be potentially fetal if not diagnosed early. Firstly, Hodgkin's Lymphoma is a proliferation of lymph nodes within the chest cavity around the major vessels of the heart. Secondly, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma presents as a nodes disseminated through different parts of the body. This type is usually seen as nodes on the neck, arm pits, groin, below the jaws and other unusual spots that would be free of obvious nodes.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma currently accounts for approximately 3% of all cancers diagnosed in the US, and affects about 43,000 Americans yearly. The incidence has risen to 73% between 1973 and 1991, more rapidly than all forms of cancers except prostrate cancer, melanoma of the skin, and lung cancer among women. This increase has been dramatic in older women. In fact, NHL was the sixth most important cancers between 1987 and 1991 and the fifth most important cause of cancer mortality. Higher risk is noted in patients with immune dysfunction (AIDS), organ transplants, pesticides exposure, frequent use of hair dye, history of blood transfusions and individuals in low socioeconomic groups.

A prospective study was done on 35,156 Iowa women aged 55 to 69 with no prior history of cancer. It showed that greater consumption of animal proteins, total fat from animal source (saturated and monounsaturated) were associated with increased risk of developing Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. This association can be seen with the use of red meats (particularly well done, because of the production of carcinogenic agents which are immunotoxic and can cause mutation in lymphoid tissue). The study also showed that higher consumption of fruits protects against NHL. In 1994, Ward confirmed that frequent use of citrus fruits, carrots, vitamin C, and dark green vegetables decreased the risk , but this time in men but not women. This protective effect may be associated with their antioxidant micronutrients (JADA, May 1, 1996-Vol 275, No.17).

The diagnosis of Lymphoma in most patients was based on atypical swellings in the neck, arm pits and groins coupled with itching, night sweats, weight loss, and low grade temperature. The prognosis of is determined by the stage or area of tissue and organ involvement. Generally, the life expectancy decreases when there are multiple organs affected whereby requiring more aggressive therapy. The curative drugs and radiation therapy are available for most patients with satisfactory results. And the protocol for single or combination therapy is decided on based on the extent and stage of disease process.

Dietary lifestyle do have a significant impact on disease processes and subsequently life expectancy. We can start today by making pertinent changes in our eating habits. These will subsequently translate into a longer healthier life for us and our families. Remember many diseases can be prevented if we take better control of us health.

-- Rawle F. Philbert, DDS