Food, especially the regular intake of fruits and vegetables, can play a role in preventing the development of cancer.
Cancer, or malignant tumor, are medical terms used for a vast set of diseases, characterized by the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells, which frequently form a mass called tumor. However, some cancers – such as those that affect the blood – do not form tumor masses.
In Portugal, cancer is the second leading cause of death, after cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases. In 2011, 69.4 per 100,000 inhabitants passed away due to a malignant tumor before the age of 65.
In 2030, the cancer incidence is estimated to be over 50,000 cases in Portugal and 21 million worldwide.
Research shows that some risk factors increase the likelihood of developing cancer. The most common risk factors for cancer development are age, smoking habits, UV radiation, ionizing radiation, some viruses and bacteria, unbalanced high-energy diet, sedentary lifestyle, excess body weight, heredity, amongst others. You should, whenever possible, avoid risk factors.
IPATIMUP (Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto) has produced several remarkable documents that can be accessed by clicking in the links below.