Does 5-a-Day Pay? Potential Gains to Growers from Increasing Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables to Recommended Levels in a Cancer Prevention Diet

Fruit and vegetable consumption and cancer prevention Increased consumption of fruits and vegetables has been linked to a decrease in the risk of cancer. According to the evidence, about 35 percent of all cancers can be prevented through increased fruit and vegetable consumption (World Cancer Research Fund International 1997). Cancers of the mouth, esophagus, lung, cervix, and bladder can be reduced by about 20 percent. The incidence of pancreatic, gallbladder, breast and endometrial cancers may be cut in half by consuming recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables.