Study: Low - Fat Diet Won't Stop Cancer Or Heart Disease

A large study on women has found that a low-fat diet had no effect on the potential of getting cancer or heart disease. The study, reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association ( Feb.8,2006 issue)involved women aged 50-79 and monitored for eight years. Results showed that those assigned to follow a low-fat diet had the same rates of breast cancer,colon cancer,heart attack and stroke as those who ate whatever they pleased.

The study findings has failed to confirm a populars idea that a low-fat diet can prevent thue major diseases in women. There was no solid evidence that eating a low-fat diet could make a significant difference in the risks of cancer and heart disease for women as well as men. Researchers have found that women and men respond in the same way to dictory fat.

However, Medical specialists stressed that study did not mean people should abandon low-fat diets."What we are saying is that a modest reduction of fat and a substitution with fruits and vegetables did not do anything for heart disease and stroke or breast cancer or colorectal cancer," said Dr.Nanette Wenger,a cardiologist and professor and medicine at Emory University Medical School."It doesn't say that this diet is not beneficial,"she added.

Cancer Prevention: Lessons From Taiwan's Early Detection Program

Taiwan is one of the leading centers for cancer treatment in Asia. Although many Taiwanese are still dying of cancer, many are also surviving because of their screening measures and early detection program, leading to the prompt treatment of many cancer patients.Health authorities from other countries can pick some lessons from Taiwan's cancer intervention and prevention strategies:

a. Taiwan's hepatitis B vaccination program started in july 1984, and has resulted in a significant decrease in childhood liver cancer.

b. Ordinance was enacted on the control of Tobacco Hazards in 1997. A decrease in the prevalence of cigarette smoking has been observed. The gov't. has been intensifying it's anti-smoking campaign using all possible media and forums.

c. Free mass screening of uterine, cervical and colorectal cancer has been implemented as part of Taiwan's national health insurance program since 1995. They also screen families with strong histories for liver, throat and breast cancer.

d. Taiwanece are now thoroughly studying their diet, which has been implicated in certain types of cancer such as those of the stomack, colon and rectum.