A recent FDA review has found no strong link between eating tomatoes and a decreased risk of cancer.The review has found no evidence for an association between eating tomatoes and a decreased risk of lung, colorectal, breast, cervical or endometrial cancer. The review did find limited evidence for an association between tomato consumption and reduced risk of prostate, ovarian, gastric and pancreatic cancer. Based on this assessment, the FDA will allow a limited association on products for these four cancers only.
In an editorial related to the review, Edward Giovannucci, M.D., Sc.D., of the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston suggests that the use of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) screening may influence the data on the association between tomato and lycopene consumption and prostate cancer risk.
Giovannucci states, "Although it may be premature to espouse increased consumption of tomato sauce or lycopene for prostate cancer prevention, this area of research remains promising."
Tomatoes surely remain in the 'good' food category, (well, a nice, ripe, in-season tomato anyway, as far as taste goes). However, it is good to see the FDA review the evidence available to ensure that consumers aren't being swayed by health claims that don't hold up to scientific scrutiny.
