Diet and Cancer Risk in the Korean Population: A Metaanalysis

Abstract

Many studies have found links between diet and cancer. The summary estimates of the association betweendietary factors and cancer risk were investigated using previously reported studies of the Korean population.Gastric cancer risk was inversely associated with the high intake of soy foods [OR (95% CI): 0.32 (0.25-0.40)for soybean, 0.56 (0.45-0.71) for soybean curd, and 0.67 (0.46-0.98) for soymilk], allium vegetables [OR (95%CI): 0.37 (0.26-0.53) for green onion, 0.54 (0.40-0.73) for garlic, and 0.54 (0.35-0.85) for onion], fruits [OR (95%CI): 0.61 (0.42-0.88)], and mushrooms [OR (95% CI): 0.43 (0.21-0.88)]. Salt and Kimchi were associated with anincreased gastric cancer risk [OR (95% CI): 1.92 (1.52-2.43) and 2.21 (1.29-3.77), respectively]. Colorectal cancerrisk was positively associated with meat intake [OR (95% CI): 1.25 (1.15-1.36)]. Total soy products, soybeancurd, and soymilk showed an inverse association with breast cancer risk [OR (95% CI): 0.61 (0.38-0.99), 0.47(0.34-0.66), and 0.75 (0.57-0.98), respectively]. Green/yellow and light colored vegetables were associated witha reduced risk of breast cancer [OR (95% CI): 0.34 (0.23-0.49) and 0.44 (0.21-0.90), respectively]. Mushroomintake was inversely associated in pre-menopausal women only [OR (95% CI): 0.47 (0.26-0.86)]. In conclusion,soy foods, fruits and vegetables might reduce cancer risk in the Korean population. High salt food might be riskfactor for gastric cancer, and intake of high amount of meat might cause colorectal cancer.