Leukemia: Nutritional Considerations

The following factors are under study for their potential to reduce leukemia risk:

• Reducing or avoiding consumption of meat, particularly processed meats: The risk for leukemia attributable to these foods may be related to nitrates, which are used as preservatives and can be highly carcinogenic. Evidence indicates that children eating more than 12 hot dogs per month have nine times the average risk of developing childhood leukemia. A strong risk for leukemia has also been found for children whose fathers eat 12 or more hot dogs per month. A study of over 13,000 male Iowa farmers, who had higher than average meat intake, had a 25 percent greater risk for leukemia, compared with individuals who were not farmers and consumed less meat.
• High vegetable and fruit intakes: In research studies, women who eat the most vegetables have a lower risk of leukemia compared with women who eat the least. There is evidence that increased maternal intake of fruits and vegetables decreases the risk of childhood leukemia. Regular intake of oranges, orange juice, and bananas also reduced the risk for leukemia by half in children two to 14 years old.
• Breast–feeding: Both short–term (< 6 months) and longer–term (> 6 months) breast–feeding is associated with reduced risk for childhood leukemias.
• Maintenance of a healthy body weight: Women who are overweight or obese have a greater risk for leukemia, compared with women of normal weight. Excess maternal weight gain may also be associated with a greater risk for infant leukemia. Being overweight or underweight also reduces survival in children with acute leukemias.
• Avoiding alcohol: Among the many reasons for avoiding alcohol during pregnancy is the fact that maternal alcohol intake during pregnancy raises the risk for acute leukemias in children.