TOWARDS A GLOBAL ASSESSMENT OF THE ANTICANCER PROPERTIES OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES: THE MONTREAL ANTICANCER NUTRINOME PROJECT

Epidemiological studies has consistently linked abundant consumption of fruits and vegetables to a reduction of the risk of developing several cancers. The mechanisms responsible for this chemopreventive effect still remain largely unknown but is likely related to the presence of phytochemicals associated with fruits and vegetables. In this paper, we summarize the currently available data suggesting that a number of phytochemicals interfere with several key steps that are essential for tumor progression, thereby maintaining tumors in a latent and inoffensive state. The identification of fruits and vegetables containing phytochemicals with the highest anticancer properties as well as the characterisation of the mechanisms by which these foods elicit their anticancer actions thus represent an essential step for the development and implantation of dietary-based chemopreventive approaches.