Tomatoes No Magic Bullet For Prostate Cancer

According to a news story on Health Day:

Lycopene, the much-touted cancer fighting antioxidant found in tomatoes and ketchup, is ineffective in preventing prostate cancer, a new study finds. In fact, higher intake of another antioxidant found in many vegetables, beta-carotene, appears to increase the risk for aggressive prostate cancer, researchers report. Many Americans also take beta-carotene in supplements.

The report is published in the May issue of the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. During the course of the trial, 1,320 prostate cancer cases were diagnosed. Peters's team found no significant difference in blood levels of lycopene between men who had prostate cancer and those who didn't. Beta-carotene has also been linked to increased risk for lung cancer and heart disease among smokers, Peters noted. "People should be very cautious about taking high doses of supplemental beta-carotene," she said. The researcher believes the best strategy for preventing cancer in general is to not place one's faith in a particular food, but to live an active, healthy lifestyle.

For more go to http://www.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=604717

Many Americans Confused About Cancer: Survey

According to Yahoo.com News:

The first national survey in a generation to look at Americans' feelings on cancer prevention finds widespread confusion about the disease. The findings are published in the May 17 issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention. About half of all men and one-third of all women will develop some type of cancer during their lifetime, experts say.

It's also estimated that almost one-third of U.S. cancer deaths are attributable to smoking, while 14 percent to 20 percent are attributable to being overweight or obese. Research shows that you can reduce your risk for the disease: by quitting smoking, eating more fruits and vegetables and maintaining a normal weight. The current survey involved more than 6,000 adults interviewed by phone in 2003.

For more go to http://news.yahoo.com