The low incidence of colorectal cancer in a "high-risk" population: its correlation with dietary habits.

In Israel, the incidence of colorectal cancer is highest in European-American-born Jews, although this incidence is lower than that found in European-born Jews living in the United States. A significantly lower-than-expected incidence was found in a specific kibbutz established by immigrants of European origin. Matched population samples from this kibbutz and the city of Tel Aviv revealed significant differences in dietary habits. The kibbutz members ate more unavailable carbohydrate and ascorbic acid and had a higher dietary polyunsaturated to saturated fat (P/S) ratio than the city dwellers. Both groups ate more crude fiber, less saturated fat, and less beef than has been reported from American and European countries. This kibbutz diet seems to have prevented large bowel cancer, parallels the "prudent" diet of Wynder, and possibly indicates the feasibility of colorectal cancer prevention.