Day 017 - 25 Jul 94 - Page 40
1 saturated fat has an influence on the amount of serum
cholesterol in the blood?
2 A. Yes, indeed.
3 Q. That, in turn, is a factor in the deposition of fat in the
arteries or atherosclerosis?
4 A. It is a factor, yes, and also the presence of fats
within the blood other than cholesterol lead to deposition
5 of fats on blood vessels which is what we call
atherosclerosis.
6
Q. And atherosclerosis, in turn, is a factor at least in the
7 incidence of coronary heart disease?
A. Oh, yes, undoubtedly.
8
Q. Are there any such simple mechanical explanations
9 available in relation to cancer of the colon, the rectum
or the breast?
10 A. I am afraid there is nothing as straightforward as
that.
11
Q. I will just finish this conclusion by Dr. Kinlen. "Much
12 of the international data that suggests a relationship may
simply reflect the effects of calorie restriction during
13 growth in certain countries, or over-nutrition in others,
respectively reducing or increasing breast cancer risk.
14 The largely negative findings of prospective studies, the
greater scope for bias in case-control studies, and the
15 possible confusion between the effects of fat per se and
those of excess calories all make a conservative position
16 prudent in evaluating the findings to date about fat.
There is a dearth of data about individuals with a very
17 low fat intake and a need also for a combined analysis of
all the prospective studies. A stringent approach is
18 required in designing future studies of the role of fat in
this disease. A protective effect of green vegetables
19 suggested by certain studies requires confirmation".
20 Has that confirmation, so far as breast cancer is
concerned, been obtained since 1991, Dr. Arnott?
21 A. No, it has not.
22 Q. Then, finally, on this topic, I would like you to look at
the latest work of Dr. Willett and his colleagues which is
23 at tab 5. I am only going to ask you to read the
abstract. This is the American nurses study, is it not?
24 It is a prospective study, is it not?
A. A prospective study.
25
Q. In 1980, did it?
26 A. It originated in 1980.
27 Q. I think you said earlier one has to be a bit cautious
because one needs a period of time?
28 A. Indeed, yes.
29 Q. To see what happens?
A. Yes.
30
Q. You may get a better idea eight years on than you had four
