Day 017 - 25 Jul 94 - Page 12
1 does that make it difficult to measure the incidence in
that particular country?
2 A. Yes, it does.
3 Q. Then, finally, are there studies done on human beings so
far as aetiology is concerned?
4 A. There are studies which have tried to modify diet, for
example. It is not possible to carry out similar
5 experiments on human beings as in animals, that is just
not ethical, but there are studies which are taking place
6 at the present time looking at the substances which we
have mentioned already, inhibitors, to see whether they
7 might possibly have an influence on the future as far as
development of cancer in a group of people, but we do not
8 have the answers so far to these studies.
9 The other problem is that it is very difficult to actually
get people to make major changes in their dietary
10 patterns. For example, those of us who try to lose weight
will know that sticking to a diet which makes you lose
11 weight is really quite difficult; it is just part of human
nature, I am afraid.
12
Q. Can we come now to the particular cancers with which we
13 are concerned? First of all, cancer of the breast: Has
it been suggested from time to time that diet has a role
14 to play in the aetiology of cancer of the breast?
A. It has been suggested that there may be relevance in
15 diet and the development of breast cancer.
16 Q. Looked at overall, how strongly do you feel that -- just
give a broad answer, please -- the incidence of cancer of
17 the breast is influenced by diet?
A. I think it is -- if it is influenced, it is influenced
18 to a very small degree. The evidence that we have does
not support a dietary relationship between any aspect of
19 the diet and the development of breast cancer.
20 Q. I think what I would like to do next, Dr. Arnott, please,
is to look at a selection of the learned papers to which
21 you made reference in your opening report. Do you have
the orange volume IV?
22 A. Yes.
23 Q. Headed "Nutrition"?
A. Yes.
24
Q. You will find your references in part 2, it is a big 2, of
25 that document.
26 MR. JUSTICE BELL: Two is vacant in my bundle at the moment. I
assume that is intentional, then it is after 3, I think.
27
MR. RAMPTON: I am not, you will be relieved to hear,
28 Dr. Arnott, going to go through all of these by any
means. For one thing, with your help, we can all read
29 them at our leisure and with your help understand at least
some part of them. But I do want to look at one or two of
30 them in some detail, if I may. First of all, can I take
the one numbered 4. Do you have an index?
