The conference was sponsored by the American Institute for Cancer Research, Washington, D.C. which funds research projects around the country and The World Cancer Research Fund. An international panel of epidemiologists and experts in public health looked at 4000 studies done over a 2 decade period. In 1974 NCI began encouraging research into diet and nutrition. Many of the health recommendations made for other diseases controllable by diet, apply to cancer. That is eating fruits and vegetables(considered to be the same in this report), low fat(still a question as to how low), less red meat, more fish, less sugar, less salt. 1999 UPDATE: Most groups that have been looking at fat in the diet now agree that it is which fats as well as how much. Best-olive oil(salad or saute, canola oil(saute), flax seed oil (use cold only) Many of the speakers at this conference confirmed that we do not always know the mechanisms by which a high fiber/low fat diet aids the body but we know it is helpful. Speakers suggested that eating meat that is grilled or barbecued, especially if eaten well-done, can be carcinogenic increasing risk of cancer. Additionally smoked or cured meat or fish is to be avoided in low risk behavior. 1999 UPDATE: Brushing grilling meats with sauce is one way to reduce the burning. It was definitively stated that colo-rectal cancer could be positively impacted with a healthier diet. Prosate cancer is highest in the U.S., particularly high among African-American men. Diet may play a large role in this. It is known that when immigrants come to the U.S. and adopt our diet, their risk for cancer rises (sometimes in one generation). In terms of breast cancer the panel stated that it is the most common incident cancer and cause of death from cancer. It is the third most common cancer overall throughout the world An estimated 910,000 cases occurred in 1996, accounting for nine percent of all new cases of cancer. "Incidence of, and deaths from, this cancer are generally increasing throughout the world, mostly in developed societies.: 1) Coffee has no relationship to breast cancer. This may not preclude a connection to benign cysts. 2)It is probable that vegetables and fruits decrease the risk of breast cancer. 3) Cholesterol probably has no relationship to breast cancer. 4) Alcohol is a probable risk factor. 5) Rapid growth and greater adult height seems to be convincing as a factor. 6) Probable risk is in a higher body mass after menopause and adult weight gain. 7) Possible protective factors include physical exercise, fibre, and carotenoids. 8) Possible increased risk factors include total fat, saturated/animal fat and meat. 9) This panel viewed as insufficient evidence for a beneficial relationship of Vitamin C, Isoflavones and lignans and fish. * *I disagree with these conclusions and many studies now show a definite benefit to Isoflavones(soy)-including a current study by Nitin Telang, Ph.D. at Sloan Kettering. 10) The panel felt that there was insufficient evidence to indict animal proteins or DDT residue as increasing risks. The Long Island study, to be completed in a few years may answer the DDT question. The study concluded: "The most effective dietary means of preventing breast cancer are the consumption of diets high in vegetables and fruits, avoidance of alcohol, and the maintenance of body weight within recommended levels by consumption of appropriate diets and by regular physical activity throughout life." This will be useful for all cancers. In terms of ovarian cancer the panel stated: Cancer of the ovary is the seventh most common incident cancer in women worldwide. There were an estimated 191,000 cases in 1996, accounting for 1.8 percent of all new cases of cancer. Previous trends showed this cancer was more common in developed countries. Now over half the global incidence is in the developing world. And recent trends indicate that there is a decline in countries that previously had high rates with increase in other areas. They said it could affect almost 2% of the female population. Five year survival worldwide is less than 30%. Not surprisingly, there was very little research in this area. What the panel was able to conclude was: 1) It is possible that vegetables and fruits convey a protective effect in lowering risk. 2)There is insufficient evidence to know if Carotenoids and fish convey protection. 3) There is insufficient evidence to know if total fat, saturated/animal fat or eggs increase risk. The panel stated: "The most effective dietary means of preventing ovarian cancer is, possibly, consumption of diets high in vegetables and fruits. There was no dramatic new information or recommendations from this project. But the AICR has issued a 670 page report which looks at many studies and provides a type of meta-analysis that is very readable. This summary is available by contacting AICR at (202)328-7744. e-mail is aicrweb@aicr.org. Internet address is http://www.aicr.org. This report was supported in part by a grant from The Breast Cancer Fund. 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