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The number of cancer survivors in the United States is increasing, but little is known about this population, including its use of vitamin/mineral supplements. We combined data on vitamin/mineral use from the 1987 and 1992 National Health Interview Survey Cancer Epidemiology Supplement (CES) for cancer survivors: persons reporting a diagnosis of cancer other than nonmelanoma skin cancer >5 yr before their interviews [n = 461 (1987) and 228 (1992)] and persons reporting no history of cancer [n = 20,851 (1987) and 11,186 (1992)]. For both groups, we calculated gender-specific proportions (adjusted for age, race/ ethnicity, education, smoking status, and poverty index) for use of multivitamins, vitamins A, C, and E, and calcium during the year before each survey. Supplement use was similar in survivors and persons reporting no history of cancer. Among survivors, calcium use was significantly higher among women (34.9%) than men (13.8%), and vitamin A use was higher among men than women (P < 0.05). Over three-fourths of both groups used multivitamins, and about one-half used vitamin C. No differences were found in vitamin/ mineral use between male survivors and men with no cancer history or between female survivors and women with no cancer history. These first nationally representative estimates suggest that persons who have survived cancer and those who report that they never had the disease do not differ appreciably in their use of vitamin/mineral supplements. Results were based on small numbers of survivors, however, and require replication.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men, with few established risk factors. The association between prostate cancer and alcohol, a potentially modifiable risk factor, has been examined in numerous studies. We systematically reviewed the literature on alcohol and the incidence of prostate cancer by searching for published cohort and case-control studies using computerized databases, references, and experts, by evaluating studies for validity, and by summarizing the results and providing research recommendations. We found compelling evidence for no association between low-to-moderate alcohol consumption and prostate cancer. Most studies, however, did not assess the risk of heavy drinking, where there has been some suggestion of increased risk, or of lifetime patterns of drinking. None of the studies have used genetic markers, nor have they been conducted in populations with known familial risk. Further studies in some populations may be warranted.

To examine food intake trends in the US population, cross-sectional nationally representative food intake data were obtained from the 1987 and 1992 National Health Interview Survey Cancer Control Supplements. In each of these years, approximately 10,000 respondents completed methodologically consistent food frequency questionnaires containing the same 57 food items. Between 1987 and 1992, the proportion of Americans consuming high-fat foods, including fried fish, fried chicken, bacon, eggs, whole milk, and butter, decreased. The proportion of Americans drinking alcoholic beverages also decreased: fewer drank wine and hard liquor in 1992. The proportion of fruit and vegetable consumers remained stable over time. These results are similar to those obtained from more detailed national surveys. National guidelines urge Americans to avoid intake of high-fat foods, increase consumption of fruits and vegetables, and practice moderation when drinking alcoholic beverages to prevent cancer and other chronic diseases. The direction of Americans' apparent changes in food usage between 1987 and 1992, evaluated using limited data from food frequency questionnaires, suggests greater behavioral changes in the direction of guidelines recommending avoidance of foods that may increase the risk of cancer than in the direction of guidelines recommending increased consumption of foods that may confer protection.