AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH
Review Article
Sep 18, 2025 19 3

The Link Between Culture, Cuisine, And Cancer (A Nigerian Perspective)

Ikalo David Oseghale 1 * ,
Godwin Mmaduabuchi Ikokwu 2,
Modinat Aina Abayomi 3,
Mary Adebimpe Adewoye 4,
Blessing Oluwapelumi Oyebamiji 5,
Tobi Olasunkanmi Olaoye 6,
Abigail Biya 7
1 Department of Biochemistry, Lagos State University, Lagos, Nigeria2 Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria 3 Department of Biology, Boston College, Massachusetts, USA4 Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana, USA5 Department of Physiology, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria6 Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy7 Department of Biomedical Health, University of Derby, England, United Kingdom* Corresponding Author
Australian Journal of Biomedical Research, 1(2), 2025, aubm006, https://doi.org/10.63946/aubiomed/17085
Publication date: Sep 18, 2025
Full Text (PDF)

ABSTRACT

Background: Cancer is a public health challenge in Nigeria, with cases rising in recent times. Research shows that dietary patterns play a substantial yet underestimated role in cancer incidence and death. Some Nigerian diets, which feature high consumption of red and processed meats, deep-fried foods, and the use of plastic bags when preparing, have been identified as culprits in the increased exposure to dietary carcinogens and elevation of cancer risk. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains possess cancer-protective properties; however, their intake remains inadequate in combating diet-related cancers.
Aim: This review examines the relationship between diet and cancer in Nigeria, focusing on the current cancer burden of Nigeria, carcinogenic risks linked to food preparation, and preventive nutritional strategies.
Methods: Information was sourced from PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate, alongside reports from global health agencies. Search terms included “diet,” “cancer,” “Nigeria,” “food,” “carcinogens,” and “prevention.” Only articles written in English language and that met predefined inclusion criteria were included.
Results: Evidence suggests that the consumption of carcinogens formed through traditional cooking methods increases the risk of cancer. Notable concerns include barbecue-style cooking, repeated use of cooking oils, and heavy metal contamination in local alcoholic beverages. Protective effects were observed in diets rich in fruits and vegetables.
Conclusion: Dietary practices in Nigeria significantly shape cancer risk. Targeted interventions promoting nutrition education, protective food intake, and safer cooking methods are essential to reduce carcinogen exposure and lower the national cancer burden.

KEYWORDS

Diet Cancer Nigeria Dietary Carcinogens Toxins

CITATION (Vancouver)

Oseghale ID, Ikokwu GM, Abayomi MA, Adewoye MA, Oyebamiji BO, Olaoye TO, et al. The Link Between Culture, Cuisine, And Cancer (A Nigerian Perspective). Australian Journal of Biomedical Research. 2025;1(2):aubm006. https://doi.org/10.63946/aubiomed/17085
APA
Oseghale, I. D., Ikokwu, G. M., Abayomi, M. A., Adewoye, M. A., Oyebamiji, B. O., Olaoye, T. O., & Biya, A. (2025). The Link Between Culture, Cuisine, And Cancer (A Nigerian Perspective). Australian Journal of Biomedical Research, 1(2), aubm006. https://doi.org/10.63946/aubiomed/17085
Harvard
Oseghale, I. D., Ikokwu, G. M., Abayomi, M. A., Adewoye, M. A., Oyebamiji, B. O., Olaoye, T. O., and Biya, A. (2025). The Link Between Culture, Cuisine, And Cancer (A Nigerian Perspective). Australian Journal of Biomedical Research, 1(2), aubm006. https://doi.org/10.63946/aubiomed/17085
AMA
Oseghale ID, Ikokwu GM, Abayomi MA, et al. The Link Between Culture, Cuisine, And Cancer (A Nigerian Perspective). Australian Journal of Biomedical Research. 2025;1(2), aubm006. https://doi.org/10.63946/aubiomed/17085
Chicago
Oseghale, Ikalo David, Godwin Mmaduabuchi Ikokwu, Modinat Aina Abayomi, Mary Adebimpe Adewoye, Blessing Oluwapelumi Oyebamiji, Tobi Olasunkanmi Olaoye, and Abigail Biya. "The Link Between Culture, Cuisine, And Cancer (A Nigerian Perspective)". Australian Journal of Biomedical Research 2025 1 no. 2 (2025): aubm006. https://doi.org/10.63946/aubiomed/17085
MLA
Oseghale, Ikalo David et al. "The Link Between Culture, Cuisine, And Cancer (A Nigerian Perspective)". Australian Journal of Biomedical Research, vol. 1, no. 2, 2025, aubm006. https://doi.org/10.63946/aubiomed/17085

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