A significant reduction in oral and pharyngeal cancer risk is associated with high consumption of citrus fruits.
The objective of this meta-analysis was to examine the association of dietary intake of citrus fruits with subsequent risk of oral and pharyngeal cancer. Data from 17 studies were evaluated for this meta-analysis.
Analysis of these data indicate that individuals who consumed the most amounts of citrus fruits had 50% lower risk of developing cancer of the mouth and pharynx than persons who ate little amounts or none of these types of fruits. In conclusion, the results of this meta-analysis demonstrate that fondness for citrus fruits may help to inhibit the formation, development, and spread of cancerous cells and tumors in the mouth and pharynx.