Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables has long been recommended to promote overall well-being and health. Researchers at the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research now believe that the types of produce consumed can affect a person’s risk of colorectal cancer in different ways, depending on the site of the carcinoma.

In a study, a team of scientists found that brassica vegetables — which include Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage — may have a protective effect against distal and proximal colon cancer. However, apples were specifically associated with a lower risk of tumors of the distal colon, while fruit juice appeared to increase chances of rectal cancer. Continue reading →