Diet and cancer mortality in the counties of Sweden.
The association between standardized cancer mortality rate ratios from 1969-1978 and dietary practices was examined in an ecologic study of the 24 counties of Sweden by means of several independent data sources. The study supports the hypothesis that a high intake of cereal fiber protects against colorectal cancer (r = -0.75 for males and r = -0.67 for females). This study found no association between fat intake and colorectal cancer. However, a negative correlation between milk consumption and this type of cancer was found. A suggested hypothesis is that calcium protects against colorectal cancer, since milk is the major source for calcium intake in Sweden. This could indicate that, for societies with a high fat intake, preventive measures which increase the intake of fiber and milk or calcium might have a greater impact on mortality from cancer of the colon and rectum than would a moderate decrease in the intake of fat. There are no indications in this study that fat intake promotes breast cancer.
Rosén
M
M
Swedish Planning and Rationalization Institute for Health and Social Services, Stockholm, Sweden.
Nyström
L
L
Wall
S
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D004032:Diet; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008892:Milk; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors; D013548:Sweden
D004041:Dietary Fats; D004043:Dietary Fiber