Q: Dear Dr. Repici, how do diets affect the prevention of gastrointestinal cancers?
A: Many studies show that a diet high in calories, rich in animal fats and low in fiber is associated with an increase in intestinal tumors. Instead, diets involving a high consumption of fruits and vegetables seem to have a protective role. Even being overweight is an increased risk associated with gastrointestinal cancers, while physical activity plays a protective role irrespective of body weight. Therefore, we can say that the signs helping reduce increased risk include: a low-calorie diet rich in vegetables and fiber as well as regular phsysical exercise.
