Marcia Stefanick: The Question of Cancer Prevention Through Diet

Is there enough evidence now to say that a low-fat diet reduces a woman's chance of developing breast or colon cancer?

Marcia Stefanick: The data on diet for preventing breast or colon cancer suggest that just reducing total fat is not enough. Although we do not have definitive data on the role of vegetables (and fruits), increasing dark, leafy green vegetables and a wide range of other vegetables, reducing fat (especially animal fats), and restricting calories is highly recommended not only for cancer prevention but also for preventing cardiovascular disease, particularly in combination with regular physical activity, with an emphasis on maintaining a healthy body weight.

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