These data do not support the strong association between intake of saturated fat and risk of coronary heart disease suggested by international comparisons. They are compatible, however, with the hypotheses that saturated fat and cholesterol intakes affect the risk of coronary heart disease as predicted by their effects on blood cholesterol concentration. They also support a specific preventive effect of linolenic acid intake.

Background-Excess body mass index (BMI) has been associated with adverse outcomes in prostate cancer, and hyperinsulinemia is a candidate mediator, but prospective data are sparse. We assessed the influence of prediagnostic BMI and plasma C-peptide (reflecting insulin secretion) on prostate cancer-specific mortality after diagnosis.

Our results highlight the need to intensify efforts to prevent smoking, especially among the young, and suggest a reduced threshold for screening for colorectal cancer among long-term smokers.