Prevention of cancer and other chronic diseases worldwide based on sound mechanisms

The transformation of normal cells by DNA reactive, genotoxic carcinogens and the growth promotion and development of mutated cells by enhancing factors is involved in the overall basic mechanism of cancer induction. Thus, discrimination between genotoxic carcinogens and nongenotoxic chemicals is essential. The dose-response curves, reversibility, and organ-and species specificity are distinct. Genotoxic carcinogens are mutagenic, form DNA adducts, induce DNA repair, and form hydroxy radicals and inappropriate peroxidation reactions that antioxidants such as those in vegetables, fruits, and tea can decrease. In contrast, promoters do not form DNA adducts, but raise cell duplication rates, among other attributes. In the USA, about 35% of known cancers are associated with tobacco use and about 55% with inappropriate nutritional habits. Cancer induction can be decreased by avoiding the formation of carcinogens, reducing their metabolic activation, or increasing their detoxification. Excessive dietary salt, and heterocyclic arylamines formed in cooking of meats or fish, and high intake of 40% of calories in fats are health risks, but vegetables, fruits, tea, soy products, and fibers are protective. We review nutritional factors involved in cancer and chronic disease causation and prevention.