Nutrition for Cancer

Question 1

Which of the following dietary factors is most strongly associated with an increased risk of breast cancer?
A. High intake of fruits and vegetables
B. High consumption of red and processed meats
C. Low saturated fat intake
D. Moderate alcohol consumption

Answer 1

B) High consumption of red and processed meats
Rationale: Correct. Red and processed meats are linked to higher circulating levels of estrogen, IGF-1, and inflammatory cytokines, which can increase breast cancer risk. High saturated fat and processed meat consumption have been shown to significantly elevate BC risk.

A) High intake of fruits and vegetables
Rationale: Incorrect. High intake of fruits and vegetables is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

C) Low saturated fat intake
Rationale: Incorrect. Low saturated fat intake is generally beneficial for overall health and may reduce cancer risk.

D) Moderate alcohol consumption
Rationale: Incorrect. Although alcohol is a risk factor for breast cancer, moderate consumption alone is not as strongly associated with increased risk as high red and processed meat intake.

Question 2

Why is alcohol consumption considered a significant risk factor for breast cancer?
A. It decreases melatonin secretion, which inhibits estrogen production.
B. It increases the production of acetaldehyde, a compound that can damage DNA.
C. It increases circulating estrogen levels by inhibiting estrogen degradation.
D. All of the above.

Answer 2

D) All of the above.
Rationale: Correct. Alcohol increases estrogen concentrations, promotes DNA damage via acetaldehyde, and suppresses melatonin secretion, creating a multifaceted risk for breast cancer development and progression.

A) It decreases melatonin secretion, which inhibits estrogen production.
Rationale: Partially correct. Alcohol can lower melatonin levels, which indirectly affects estrogen, but this is not the complete answer.

B) It increases the production of acetaldehyde, a compound that can damage DNA.
Rationale: Partially correct. Acetaldehyde is a carcinogenic byproduct of alcohol metabolism that can damage DNA, increasing cancer risk, but this is not the complete answer.

C) It increases circulating estrogen levels by inhibiting estrogen degradation.
Rationale: Partially correct. Alcohol increases estrogen levels by inhibiting its metabolism, but this is not the complete answer.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a dietary intervention to support breast cancer patients?
A. Adoption of a Mediterranean or plant-based diet
B. Emphasis on polyphenol-rich foods such as blueberries
C. Increased consumption of red meat for lean protein
D. Limiting alcohol intake

Answer 3

C) Increased consumption of red meat for lean protein
Rationale: Correct. Red meat consumption is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer and is generally discouraged. Lean protein sources like poultry, fish, and plant-based options are preferred.

A) Adoption of a Mediterranean or plant-based diet
Rationale: Incorrect. Both Mediterranean and plant-based diets are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods, which are beneficial for breast cancer patients.

B) Emphasis on polyphenol-rich foods such as blueberries
Rationale: Incorrect. Polyphenols have antioxidant properties that may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, supporting breast cancer care.

D) Limiting alcohol intake
Rationale: Incorrect. Reducing alcohol intake is recommended as alcohol is a known risk factor for breast cancer.

Question 4

Which supplement is contraindicated during breast cancer treatment due to its phytoestrogen content?
A. Coenzyme Q10
B. Vitamin D
C. Licorice root
D. Calcium

Answer 4

Correct Answer: C. Licorice root
Rationale: Supplements with phytoestrogens, including licorice root, ginseng, black cohosh, and wild yam, are contraindicated because they may interfere with hormone-sensitive cancers.

A) Coenzyme Q10
Rationale: Incorrect. CoQ10 is an antioxidant and does not contain phytoestrogens, making it safe for breast cancer patients.

B) Vitamin D
Rationale: Incorrect. Vitamin D is beneficial for bone health and immune function and does not contain phytoestrogens.

D) Calcium
Rationale: Incorrect. Calcium is safe and often recommended, especially to support bone health in breast cancer patients undergoing treatment.

Question 5

Which dietary approach is shown to enhance chemotherapy tolerance and treatment outcomes for breast cancer patients?
A. High-protein diet
B. Intermittent fasting
C. High-fat ketogenic diet
D. Dairy-rich diet

Answer 5

B) Intermittent fasting
Rationale: Correct. Short-term fasting during chemotherapy has been shown to improve treatment tolerance and positively impact outcomes for breast cancer patients.

A) High-protein diet
Rationale: Incorrect. Although protein is essential for recovery, a high-protein diet alone does not specifically improve chemotherapy tolerance.

C) High-fat ketogenic diet
Rationale: Incorrect. The ketogenic diet is not specifically associated with improved chemotherapy tolerance in breast cancer treatment.

D) Dairy-rich diet
Rationale: Incorrect. There is no evidence that a dairy-rich diet enhances chemotherapy tolerance or outcomes in breast cancer patients.

Question 6

Which of the following is a known dietary protective factor against prostate cancer?
A. High dairy consumption
B. Increased intake of cruciferous vegetables
C. High-fat diet
D. Processed meat consumption

Answer 6

B) Increased intake of cruciferous vegetables
Rationale: Correct. Cruciferous vegetables are rich in antioxidants and compounds like sulforaphane, which have protective effects against prostate cancer by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

A) High dairy consumption
Rationale: Incorrect. High dairy intake has been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer due to high calcium levels.

C) High-fat diet
Rationale: Incorrect. High-fat diets may contribute to cancer risk due to increased inflammation.

D) Processed meat consumption
Rationale: Incorrect. Processed meats are linked to an increased risk of various cancers, including prostate cancer.

Question 7

What is the primary reason calcium supplements may be contraindicated in high doses for prostate cancer patients?
A. They reduce the efficacy of hormone therapy.
B. Excessive calcium intake may promote prostate cancer progression.
C. Calcium causes severe GI side effects.
D. Calcium interacts negatively with chemotherapy agents.

Answer 7

B) Excessive calcium intake may promote prostate cancer progression.
Rationale: Correct. High intake of calcium, particularly from supplements, has been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer, likely due to its effects on cell signaling and androgen metabolism.

A) They reduce the efficacy of hormone therapy.
Rationale: Incorrect. Calcium does not interfere with hormone therapy efficacy.

C) Calcium causes severe GI side effects.
Rationale: Incorrect. GI side effects are possible with calcium, but they are not the primary concern for prostate cancer patients.

D) Calcium interacts negatively with chemotherapy agents.
Rationale: Incorrect. Calcium does not have known negative interactions with chemotherapy.

Question 8

What is the recommended dietary focus for managing the nutritional impact of aromatase inhibitors in breast cancer patients?
A. High saturated fat and protein intake
B. Increased intake of vitamin D and calcium
C. Low-fiber diets to reduce estrogen binding
D. Emphasis on dairy-rich diets for hormone support

Answer 8

B) Increased intake of vitamin D and calcium
Rationale: Correct. Aromatase inhibitors can cause bone loss; vitamin D and calcium supplementation are essential to mitigate osteoporosis risk in these patients.

A) High saturated fat and protein intake
Rationale: Incorrect. High saturated fat intake is generally not recommended, especially in hormone-sensitive cancers.

C) Low-fiber diets to reduce estrogen binding
Rationale: Incorrect. Low-fiber diets do not support bone health and are not relevant to aromatase inhibitor effects.

D) Emphasis on dairy-rich diets for hormone support
Rationale: Incorrect. While calcium is needed, a dairy-rich diet is not necessary and may not provide optimal support.

Question 9

Which of the following statements about soy and breast cancer is TRUE?
A. Soy products are universally contraindicated for all breast cancer patients.
B. High doses of isolated soy protein extracts stimulate breast cancer growth in human studies.
C. Dietary soy intake is associated with a protective or neutral effect in breast cancer survivors.
D. Soy foods are beneficial only for estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) breast cancer patients.

Answer 9

C) Dietary soy intake is associated with a protective or neutral effect in breast cancer survivors.
Rationale: Correct. Observational studies in humans show protective or neutral effects with moderate dietary soy intake.

A) Soy products are universally contraindicated for all breast cancer patients.
Rationale: Incorrect. Research shows moderate soy consumption is safe and may even be beneficial for breast cancer survivors.

B) High doses of isolated soy protein extracts stimulate breast cancer growth in human studies.
Rationale: Incorrect. While animal studies indicate possible stimulation at high doses, human studies show moderate soy is safe.

D) Soy foods are beneficial only for estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) breast cancer patients.
Rationale: Incorrect. Moderate soy intake has been shown to be safe or beneficial for both ER-positive and ER-negative breast cancer patients.

Question 10

What dietary recommendation is particularly relevant for prostate cancer prevention?
A. A diet high in dairy products and calcium
B. Avoidance of cruciferous vegetables
C. Increased intake of lycopene-rich foods like tomatoes
D. High intake of red and processed meats

Answer 10

C) Increased intake of lycopene-rich foods like tomatoes
Rationale: Correct. Lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes, has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and lower the risk of prostate cancer progression.

A) A diet high in dairy products and calcium
Rationale: Incorrect. High dairy and calcium intake are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer.

B) Avoidance of cruciferous vegetables
Rationale: Incorrect. Cruciferous vegetables are protective against prostate cancer.

D) High intake of red and processed meats
Rationale: Incorrect. Red and processed meats are associated with increased cancer risk.

Question 11

Which type of fat is most strongly associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer?

A) Unsaturated fats
B) Polyunsaturated fats
C) Saturated fats
D) Omega-3 fatty acids

Answer 11

Correct Answer: C) Saturated fats

Rationale:
A) Unsaturated fats: These fats are generally protective, with some studies suggesting they may lower androgen levels and reduce prostate cancer risk.
B) Omega-3 fatty acids: These fats are associated with slower tumor growth and reduced inflammation, offering protective effects against prostate cancer.
C) Saturated fats: Found in animal products like meat and butter, saturated fats are linked to increased prostate cancer risk and higher mortality. High-fat diets, particularly those rich in saturated fats, promote cancer progression through inflammation and metabolic dysregulation.
D) Medium-chain triglycerides: While they are a type of fat, there is no strong evidence linking them specifically to prostate cancer risk.

Question 12

How might high-fat diets promote prostate cancer progression?

A) By reducing androgen metabolism
B) By increasing lipid accumulation in tumors
C) By lowering IGF-1 levels
D) By enhancing detoxification pathways

Answer 12

Correct Answer: B) By increasing lipid accumulation in tumors

Rationale:
A) By reducing androgen metabolism: High-fat diets do not reduce androgen metabolism; rather, they can enhance hormonal pathways linked to cancer progression.
B) By increasing lipid accumulation in tumors: High-fat diets, especially those rich in saturated fats, increase lipid accumulation in prostate tumors. This contributes to tumor growth and metastasis while influencing inflammatory and hormonal pathways that support cancer progression.
C) By lowering IGF-1 levels: High-fat diets typically increase IGF-1 levels, promoting cancer growth rather than reducing it.
D) By enhancing detoxification pathways: High-fat diets are associated with inflammation and metabolic dysregulation, not improved detoxification.

Question 13

Which bioactive compound found in tomatoes is believed to reduce prostate cancer risk?

A) Catechins
B) Lycopene
C) Genistein
D) Resveratrol

Answer 13

Correct Answer: B) Lycopene

Rationale:
A) Catechins: Found in green tea, catechins have anti-inflammatory effects, but they are not linked to the specific mechanisms of lycopene.
B) Lycopene: Lycopene, a carotenoid found in tomatoes, has antioxidant properties and decreases androgen metabolism, reducing prostate cancer risk. Cooking tomatoes enhances lycopene bioavailability.
C) Genistein: Found in soy products, genistein is a polyphenol with protective effects, but it is unrelated to the specific mechanisms attributed to lycopene.
D) Resveratrol: Found in grapes, resveratrol has anticancer properties but is not the primary compound linked to prostate cancer risk reduction from tomatoes.

Question 14

Which of the following dietary components is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer due to its impact on the IGF-1 signaling pathway?

A) Dairy products
B) Unsaturated fats
C) Omega-3 fatty acids
D) Lycopene

Answer 14

Correct Answer: A) Dairy products

Rationale:
A) Dairy products: Dairy is linked to elevated prostate cancer risk through the IGF-1 signaling pathway, which enhances cell proliferation and tumor growth.
B) Unsaturated fats: These are associated with reduced cancer risk due to anti-inflammatory properties.
C) Omega-3 fatty acids: These inhibit inflammation and are protective against cancer.
D) Lycopene: Lycopene is an antioxidant that lowers cancer risk, not increases it.

Question 15

Which dietary intervention is associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer due to its high intake of vegetables, fish, and soy products?

A) Mediterranean diet
B) Vegan diet
C) Asian diet
D) Low-fat diet

Answer 15

Correct Answer: C) Asian diet

Rationale:
A) Mediterranean diet: While healthy, it focuses more on olive oil and nuts rather than soy.
B) Vegan diet: This diet avoids animal products but may not emphasize fish or soy specifically.
C) Asian diet: This diet includes vegetables, fish, and soy, which contain protective isoflavones with estrogenic and antioxidant properties.
D) Low-fat diet: A low-fat diet is beneficial but not as strongly linked to the protective effects of soy and fish.

Question 16

What is the proposed benefit of lycopene in prostate cancer prevention?

A) It promotes androgen receptor activity.
B) It increases inflammation in prostate tissue.
C) It provides antioxidant effects and reduces androgen metabolism.
D) It enhances IGF-1 signaling.

Answer 16

Correct Answer: C) It provides antioxidant effects and reduces androgen metabolism.

Rationale:
A) It promotes androgen receptor activity: Lycopene inhibits, rather than promotes, androgen receptor activity.
B) It increases inflammation in prostate tissue: Lycopene has anti-inflammatory properties.
C) It provides antioxidant effects and reduces androgen metabolism: Lycopene scavenges free radicals and decreases androgen metabolism, reducing cancer risk.
D) It enhances IGF-1 signaling: Lycopene does not promote IGF-1 signaling but helps counteract its effects.

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT recommended for prostate cancer patients due to potential negative interactions with treatment?

A) Saw palmetto
B) Selenium
C) Zinc
D) Curcumin

Answer 17

Correct Answer: A) Saw palmetto

Rationale:
A) Saw palmetto: This herb may interfere with hormone therapies used in prostate cancer treatment.
B) Selenium: Selenium has antioxidant properties and is generally safe in appropriate doses.
C) Zinc: Zinc supports immune health and cellular repair.
D) Curcumin: Curcumin is anti-inflammatory and may be protective against cancer.

Question 18

Which of the following is a potential consequence of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in prostate cancer patients?

A) Increased lean body mass
B) Increased fat mass and weight gain
C) Enhanced appetite and digestive function
D) Decreased risk of cachexia

Answer 18

Correct Answer: B) Increased fat mass and weight gain

Rationale:
A) Increased lean body mass: ADT decreases lean body mass rather than increasing it.
B) Increased fat mass and weight gain: ADT causes hormonal changes that lead to fat accumulation and weight gain.
C) Enhanced appetite and digestive function: ADT does not enhance appetite; it often causes metabolic changes that negatively impact digestion.
D) Decreased risk of cachexia: ADT may not protect against cachexia and may exacerbate muscle loss.

Question 19

Which polyphenol found in green tea may lower prostate cancer risk through its anti-inflammatory effects?

A) Resveratrol
B) Genistein
C) Catechins
D) Lycopene

Answer 19

Correct Answer: C) Catechins

Rationale:
A) Resveratrol: Found in grapes, but not as effective as catechins for prostate cancer.
B) Genistein: Found in soy, not green tea.
C) Catechins: EGCG, a catechin in green tea, reduces inflammation and modulates COX-2 pathways.
D) Lycopene: Found in tomatoes, not green tea.

Question 20

Which dietary recommendation is aimed at reducing systemic inflammation and improving hormonal profiles in prostate cancer patients?

A) High-fat diet
B) Dairy-rich diet
C) Low-fat diet
D) Animal-protein-rich diet

Answer 20

Correct Answer: C) Low-fat diet

Rationale:
A) High-fat diet: Increases inflammation and hormone disruption.
B) Dairy-rich diet: May elevate IGF-1 levels, increasing risk.
C) Low-fat diet: Reduces inflammation and supports balanced hormones.
D) Animal-protein-rich diet: Associated with increased cancer risk.

Question 21

Why might selenium supplementation reduce prostate cancer risk in some individuals?

A) Selenium modulates androgen metabolism, directly reducing cancer risk.
B) Selenium boosts IGF-1 levels, promoting tumor growth.
C) Selenium modulates cellular pathways and reduces oxidative stress.
D) Selenium supplementation inhibits vitamin D metabolism.

Answer 21

Correct Answer: C) Selenium modulates cellular pathways and reduces oxidative stress.

Rationale:
A) Selenium modulates androgen metabolism: There is no direct evidence linking selenium with changes in androgen metabolism.
B) Selenium boosts IGF-1 levels: Elevated IGF-1 levels are associated with increased cancer risk, but selenium reduces, rather than increases, these risks.
C) Selenium modulates cellular pathways and reduces oxidative stress: Selenium has antioxidant properties and modulates cellular pathways involved in carcinogenesis, which may help reduce prostate cancer risk, particularly in men with low baseline selenium levels.
D) Selenium supplementation inhibits vitamin D metabolism: Selenium does not interfere with vitamin D metabolism; both nutrients have distinct roles in cancer prevention.

Question 22

How might high-fat diets promote prostate cancer progression?

A) By reducing androgen metabolism
B) By increasing lipid accumulation in tumors
C) By lowering IGF-1 levels
D) By enhancing detoxification pathways

Answer 22

Correct Answer: B) By increasing lipid accumulation in tumors

Rationale:
A) By reducing androgen metabolism: High-fat diets do not reduce androgen metabolism; rather, they can enhance hormonal pathways linked to cancer progression.
B) By increasing lipid accumulation in tumors: High-fat diets, especially those rich in saturated fats, increase lipid accumulation in prostate tumors. This contributes to tumor growth and metastasis while influencing inflammatory and hormonal pathways that support cancer progression.
C) By lowering IGF-1 levels: High-fat diets typically increase IGF-1 levels, promoting cancer growth rather than reducing it.
D) By enhancing detoxification pathways: High-fat diets are associated with inflammation and metabolic dysregulation, not improved detoxification.

Question 23

What is a potential mechanism by which unsaturated fats may reduce prostate cancer risk?

A) By promoting androgen receptor expression
B) By increasing androgen levels
C) By lowering levels of sex hormones
D) By enhancing insulin resistance

Answer 23

Correct Answer: C) By lowering levels of sex hormones

Rationale:
A) By promoting androgen receptor expression: Unsaturated fats do not enhance androgen receptor expression, as this would increase cancer risk.
B) By increasing androgen levels: Unsaturated fats are linked to lower androgen levels, not increased levels.
C) By lowering levels of sex hormones: Unsaturated fats reduce levels of sex hormones like estradiol and testosterone, potentially reducing prostate cancer risk.
D) By enhancing insulin resistance: Unsaturated fats improve insulin sensitivity rather than promoting resistance.

Question 24

Which of the following bacteria has been implicated in the progression of colorectal cancer due to its pro-inflammatory effects and role in immune suppression?
A. Escherichia coli
B. Fusobacterium nucleatum
C. Lactobacillus acidophilus
D. Staphylococcus aureus

Answer 24

B. Fusobacterium nucleatum
Correct. This bacterium is strongly implicated in colorectal cancer due to its role in promoting inflammation, immune evasion, and epigenetic changes in colon cells

More info.
Contributes to oxidative stress
Rationale: Fusobacterium nucleatum, a bacterium that can populate the GI tract, contributes to inflammation and oxidative stress, playing a role in the development of CRC.

A. Escherichia coli
Incorrect. Although some strains of E. coli (like those producing colibactin) can be involved in DNA damage and colorectal cancer, it is not the primary bacterium associated with immune suppression in this context.

C. Lactobacillus acidophilus
Incorrect. Lactobacillus acidophilus is a beneficial probiotic that helps maintain gut health and is not associated with colorectal cancer.

D. Staphylococcus aureus
Incorrect. Staphylococcus aureus is not typically linked to colorectal cancer progression.

Question 25

What is the main mechanism by which carotenoids, like beta-carotene, affect colorectal cancer cells?
A. Inducing angiogenesis
B. Enhancing cell apoptosis
C. Suppressing immune responses
D. Promoting cell proliferation

Answer 25

Correct Answer: B. Enhancing cell apoptosis
Rationale: Carotenoids have been shown to induce apoptosis in colon cancer cells, helping to prevent tumor progression.

A. Carotenoids do not induce angiogenesis.
C. Carotenoids enhance immune responses, not suppress them.
D. Carotenoids do not promote cell proliferation; they help prevent cancer cell growth.

Question 26

Which polyphenol compound has been shown to reduce TNF-α levels and induce apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells?
A. Resveratrol
B. Luteolin
C. Curcumin
D. Fisetin

Answer 26

Correct Answer: C. Curcumin
Rationale: Curcumin reduces TNF-α levels and induces apoptosis in cancer cells, making it beneficial for CRC prevention and treatment.

A. Resveratrol affects Wnt signaling but does not directly reduce TNF-α.
B. Luteolin induces cell cycle arrest, not directly reducing TNF-α.
D. Fisetin induces apoptosis but does not focus on TNF-α reduction

Question 27

What is the recommended level of vitamin D for optimal colorectal cancer risk reduction?
A. 50–75 nmol/L
B. 100–150 nmol/L
C. 75–100 nmol/L
D. 25–50 nmol/L

Answer 27

Correct Answer: C. 75–100 nmol/L
Rationale: Studies suggest that vitamin D levels between 75–100 nmol/L help reduce the risk of developing CRC.

A. 50–75 nmol/L is too low for optimal risk reduction.
B. 100–150 nmol/L may be higher than necessary for CRC risk reduction.
D. 25–50 nmol/L is too low for significant CRC prevention.

Question 28

What is the main benefit of incorporating flavonoids into the diet for individuals with colorectal cancer?
A. Increasing tumor growth
B. Reducing oxidative stress
C. Suppressing immune function
D. Enhancing cell proliferation

Answer 28

Correct Answer: B. Reducing oxidative stress
Rationale: Flavonoids have antioxidant properties that help reduce oxidative stress, which is a key factor in cancer development.

A. Flavonoids do not increase tumor growth.
C. Flavonoids help enhance, not suppress, immune function.
D. Flavonoids inhibit, rather than enhance, cell proliferation in cancer cells.

Question 29

What is the role of astaxanthin in colorectal cancer prevention?
A. Inducing DNA replication
B. Promoting tumor cell proliferation
C. Inhibiting tumor invasion and inducing apoptosis
D. Enhancing tumor angiogenesis

Answer 29

Correct Answer: C. Inhibiting tumor invasion and inducing apoptosis
Rationale: Astaxanthin inhibits tumor invasion and induces apoptosis in colon cancer cells, making it a potential cancer preventive compound.

A. Astaxanthin does not induce DNA replication.
B. Astaxanthin prevents, rather than promotes, tumor cell proliferation.
D. Astaxanthin does not enhance angiogenesis but rather inhibits tumor invasion.

Question 30

How does Fusobacterium nucleatum contribute to the development of colorectal cancer?
A. By promoting oxidative stress and epigenetic silencing of MLH1
B. By reducing inflammation in the gut
C. By increasing gut motility and microbiome diversity
D. By enhancing the immune response against cancer cells

Answer 30

A. By promoting oxidative stress and epigenetic silencing of MLH1
Correct. Fusobacterium nucleatum triggers local inflammation and promotes DNA damage, including silencing of MLH1, a mismatch repair gene.

B. By reducing inflammation in the gut
Incorrect. Fusobacterium nucleatum increases, rather than reduces, gut inflammation.

C. By increasing gut motility and microbiome diversity
Incorrect. It disrupts microbiome balance, reducing diversity, and has no role in gut motility.

D. By enhancing the immune response against cancer cells
Incorrect. This bacterium suppresses immune responses to evade detection and allow tumor progression.

Question 31

What role does vitamin D play in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer?
A. Increasing gut motility
B. Promoting antioxidant activity
C. Regulating signaling pathways and reducing inflammation
D. Enhancing protein synthesis in cancer cells

Answer 31

C. Regulating signaling pathways and reducing inflammation
Correct. Vitamin D interacts with its receptors to modulate inflammation and cell proliferation, reducing cancer risk.

A. Increasing gut motility
Incorrect. Vitamin D does not directly influence gut motility in this context.

B. Promoting antioxidant activity
Incorrect. While vitamin D has some antioxidant properties, its main role in colorectal cancer prevention is through signaling pathways.

D. Enhancing protein synthesis in cancer cells
Incorrect. Vitamin D does not enhance protein synthesis in cancer cells; it promotes apoptosis and reduces proliferation.

Question 32

Which of the following mechanisms is associated with calcium’s protective role in colorectal cancer prevention?
A. Inhibition of oxidative stress in colon cells
B. Neutralizing bile acids and fatty acids in the colon
C. Suppression of Fusobacterium nucleatum proliferation
D. Enhancing iron absorption in the colon

Answer 32

B. Neutralizing bile acids and fatty acids in the colon
Correct. Calcium binds potentially harmful bile acids and fatty acids, reducing their carcinogenic potential.

A. Inhibition of oxidative stress in colon cells
Incorrect. While calcium contributes to cancer prevention, it does so primarily by binding bile acids, not through direct antioxidant activity.

C. Suppression of Fusobacterium nucleatum proliferation
Incorrect. Calcium does not specifically target this bacterium.

D. Enhancing iron absorption in the colon
Incorrect. Calcium may actually reduce iron absorption rather than enhance it.

Question 33

Selenium’s role in colorectal cancer prevention is primarily due to its:
A. Ability to enhance gut motility
B. Impact on p53 gene activation
C. Function as a cofactor for antioxidant enzymes
D. Stimulation of inflammatory cytokines

Answer 33

C. Function as a cofactor for antioxidant enzymes
Correct. Selenium is essential for enzymes like glutathione peroxidase, which protect cells from oxidative stress

Ability to enhance gut motility
Incorrect. Selenium does not directly affect gut motility.

B. Impact on p53 gene activation
Incorrect. While selenium supports DNA repair mechanisms, its primary role is through antioxidant activity.

D. Stimulation of inflammatory cytokines
Incorrect. Selenium generally reduces inflammation, not stimulates it.

Question 34

Magnesium deficiency in the diet has been linked to:
A. Enhanced antioxidant defenses in the colon
B. Increased oxidative stress and cancer risk
C. Decreased proliferation of colon cancer cells
D. Reduced inflammation in colorectal tissues

Answer 34

C. Decreased proliferation of colon cancer cells
Incorrect. Magnesium deficiency would likely increase, not decrease, cancer cell proliferation.

A. Enhanced antioxidant defenses in the colon
Incorrect. Magnesium deficiency increases oxidative stress, weakening antioxidant defenses.

B. Increased oxidative stress and cancer risk
Correct. A lack of magnesium leads to oxidative stress, promoting DNA damage and colorectal cancer risk.

D. Reduced inflammation in colorectal tissues
Incorrect. Deficiency typically increases inflammation, not reduces it.

Question 35

Which of the following is a primary mechanism by which omega-3 fatty acids support colorectal cancer prevention?

A. They enhance angiogenesis to improve nutrient delivery to tissues.
B. They promote apoptosis and reduce inflammation in cancer cells.
C. They increase the proliferation of healthy colon cells.
D. They inhibit gut microbiota diversity, reducing cancer cell growth.

Answer 35

Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
B: Correct. Omega-3 fatty acids promote apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells and reduce inflammation

A: Incorrect. Omega-3s inhibit angiogenesis, reducing nutrient delivery to tumors..
C: Incorrect. Omega-3s do not stimulate healthy cell proliferation as a cancer-prevention mechanism.
D: Incorrect. Omega-3s enhance, not inhibit, gut microbiota diversity, which supports overall gut health.

Question 36

Which of the following foods is rich in phenolic compounds and has been shown to help prevent colorectal cancer by inducing apoptosis and autophagy?

A. Garlic
B. Black raspberries
C. Coffee
D. Wheat

Answer 36

Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
B: Correct. Black raspberries are rich in phenolic compounds that induce apoptosis and autophagy in colon cancer cells.

A: Incorrect. Garlic contains organosulfur compounds but is not a significant source of phenolic chemicals.
C: Incorrect. Coffee may reduce colorectal cancer risk but primarily due to other bioactive compounds.
D: Incorrect. Wheat is high in fiber but does not specifically contain phenolic chemicals that induce apoptosis.

Question 37

Which dietary pattern has been associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer due to its high intake of plant-based foods and healthy fats?

A. Ketogenic diet
B. Mediterranean diet
C. Carnivore diet
D. Low-FODMAP diet

Answer 37

Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
B: Correct. The Mediterranean diet, rich in plant-based foods and healthy fats, has shown protective effects against colorectal cancer.

A: Incorrect. The ketogenic diet is not widely recognized for colorectal cancer prevention.
C: Incorrect. A carnivore diet is primarily meat-based and may increase colorectal cancer risk.
D: Incorrect. The low-FODMAP diet is used to manage digestive symptoms, not primarily for cancer prevention.

Question 38

Why might antioxidants in high doses be contraindicated during chemotherapy for colorectal cancer?

A. They can neutralize the oxidative stress needed for chemotherapy efficacy.
B. They may exacerbate oxidative stress, harming healthy cells.
C. They are metabolized by enzymes that chemotherapy drugs require.
D. They interfere with gut microbiota, increasing side effects of chemotherapy.

Answer 38

Correct Answer: A
Rationale:

A: Correct. High doses of antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress, which some chemotherapy agents rely on to kill cancer cells.
B: Incorrect. Antioxidants reduce oxidative stress, not exacerbate it.
C: Incorrect. This rationale is more applicable to certain herbs like curcumin.
D: Incorrect. Antioxidants do not typically affect gut microbiota in this context.

Question 39

Which of the following nutraceuticals is contraindicated during colorectal cancer therapy due to potential interactions with chemotherapy drugs?

A. Isoflavones
B. Eugenol
C. St. John’s Wort
D. Fenugreek

Answer 39

Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
C: Correct. St. John’s Wort induces cytochrome P450 enzymes, which may reduce the efficacy of chemotherapy.

A: Incorrect. Isoflavones may promote apoptosis but are not noted for significant contraindications.
B: Incorrect. Eugenol is associated with apoptosis in colon cancer cells, not contraindications.
D: Incorrect. Fenugreek is known for its saponins but does not have noted interactions with chemotherapy.