The association between vegetable and fruit consumption and head and neck cancer (HNC) was assessed using data from a HNC case-control study. Cases included 838 HNC cancer patients and controls included 998 patients treated for non-neoplastic conditions of the head and neck. Unconditional logistic regression was performed to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of HNC risk associated with fruit and vegetable intake, adjusted for sex, age, education, and use of cigarette, betel quid and cigarette. An inverse association was observed between HNC risk and daily intake of vegetables (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.20-0.95) or fruits (OR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.43-0.72). Individuals who did not consume fruits and vegetables daily had more than double the risk of HNC compared to those who had daily intake of vegetables and fruits (OR= 2.24, 95% CI: 1.54-3.25). The inverse association between HNC and consumption of fruits and vegetables was not modified by the use of alcohol, betel quid, or alcohol. Our results suggest that daily intake of fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of HNC.
