A meta-analysis and review of previously published studies on green tea, published in Integrative Cancer Therapy in June 2005 concluded that “conclusions as to the potential therapeutic application of green tea are currently impossible to make due to the small number of studies conducted, the lack of any clinical trial evidence, the lack of a consistent dose-response relationship, and the potential for interaction with standard care.”
A review of studies on the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on cancer risk published in the Journal of the American Association in January 2006 concluded that, “a large body of literature spanning numerous cohorts from many countries and with different demographic characteristics does not provide evidence to suggest a significant association between omega-3 fatty acids and cancer incidence. Dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids is unlikely to prevent cancer.”
The American Institute for Cancer Research focuses its efforts on understanding the links between diet and cancer. It's recommends that people trying to prevent cancer or a cancer recurrence choose a diet rich in a variety of plant-based foods, eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, maintain a healthy weight and be physically active, drink alcohol only in moderation, if at all, select foods low in fat and salt, and not use tobacco in any form.
These suggestions are the same as those that nutritionists have long been made to help reduce obesity as well as the risk of many different types of diseases. There is evidence to suggest that a diet high in vegetables and fruits can decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. Not being overweight can reduce the risk of type-2 diabetes. And there is some good evidence to suggest that fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk of stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer. But the same can't be said of breast cancer.
If you want to learn more about what we do know about foods and cancer risk, the Breast Cancer and Environmental Risk Factors program at Cornell University has produced some excellent fact sheets on breast cancer risk and how it relates to dairy foods, diet and lifestyle, dietary fat, and vegetables and fruits.
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