Book excerpt: This publication sets outs the findings of an IARC Working Group, held in Lyon, France in November 2003, which considered the benefits of a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables in helping to reduce the risk of various cancers. Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, watercress and brussel sprouts, contain substantial amounts of compounds which have been shown to inhibit the growth of cancers. This publication reviews current knowledge on the topic, including data from human, experimental and mechanistic studies, as well as making recommendations for future research and public health policy options.