/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 9 Does eating broccoli reduce the ... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

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Does eating broccoli reduce the risk of prostate cancer? According to an observational study from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (see CNN.com web site article titled "Broccoli, Not Pizza Sauce, Cuts Cancer Risk, Study Finds," January 5,2000 ), men who ate more cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and cabbage) had a lower risk of prostate cancer. This study made separate comparisons for men who ate different levels of vegetables. According to one of the investigators, "at any given level of total vegetable consumption, as the percent of cruciferous vegetables increased, the prostate cancer risk decreased." Based on this study, is it reasonable to conclude that eating cruciferous vegetables causes a reduction in prostate cancer risk? Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Based on this observational study, it's not reasonable to conclude that eating cruciferous vegetables causes a reduction in prostate cancer risk. While there is a correlation, there isn't enough evidence to determine a causative relationship. A cause-effect relationship would need to be established through an experimental study.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the results of the study

The study shows that there's a negative correlation between consumption of cruciferous vegetables and prostate cancer risk, that is, as the amount of these vegetables eaten goes up, the risk of prostate cancer goes down.
02

Understand the nature of the study

The study is observational, meaning it simply observes the behavior of the variables without trying to influence or intervene in any way. Therefore, the findings show a correlation, or trend, not a cause-and-effect relationship.
03

Distinguish between correlation and causation

While the study shows a trend of lower prostate cancer risk with increased consumption of cruciferous vegetables, it doesn't necessarily mean that the vegetables are the cause of the reduced risk. There could be other factors at play that the study hasn't considered, or it could simply be a coincidence. A further experimental study would be needed to confirm these results and establish a cause-and-effect relationship.

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