ABSTRACT
The possible role of any dietary factor in the prevention or treatment of human cancer is best tested using a methodological procedure called the randomized intervention trial. Block concluded that all of these methods have some degree of validity when measured against one another, as well as when measured against clinical criteria such as weight change. In healthy populations at risk for a particular type of cancer, the objective is to change one or more components of the diet, preferably without altering total energy intake. The major finding was the continued decline in the proportion of foods eaten at home. Home use of wine, juices, poultry, salads, pasta and rice, as well as Italian, Mexican and Oriental dishes increased, while use of milk, coffee, total meat, fish, bread and sweetened or hot cereals decreased. Studies of food consumption and models of eating behavior do not give the final answer in designing intervention trials.
