Poor diet can cause deadly colon cancer

Doctors are studying effects of diet on colorectal cancer

Certain foods can cause inflammation in the human body. Researchers now found that such inflammation seems to be responsible for the increased risk of colorectal cancer.

The scientists of the internationally respected Harvard T.H. Boston's Chan School of Public Health found in their study that eating certain foods seems to increase the risk of colorectal cancer. The physicians published the results of their study in the English-language journal "JAMA Oncology".

Healthy diet promotes a cancer-free large intestine

Much has already been written and discussed about the harmful effects of excessive consumption of red meat, white bread and sugary drinks. The data from two important health studies evaluated by the experts now suggest that these foods increase the likelihood of inflammation in the body. This in turn leads to an increased probability for the development of colorectal cancer. Overall, a healthy diet promotes a cancer-free colon, explain the researchers.

Earlier studies had already linked certain factors of diet to colorectal cancer, but there was no clear explanation for the cause of the relationship.

Incorrect diet can cause a chronic inflammatory condition in the body

The physicians suggested that diet-mediated inflammation could be at least one way in which nutrition affects the risk of colorectal cancer. "There are several stimulators of chronic inflammation, and nutrition is one of those factors that can constantly stimulate the body to a chronic inflammatory condition," said author Fred Tabung of Harvard T.H. Chan School in a press release.

Scientists analyzed data from more than 121,000 subjects

To test this potential link, researchers collected data from more than 121,000 people from two studies, the Health Professionals Follow-up Study and the Nurses Health Study. In these studies, the subjects were medically monitored for 26 years to track possible dietary effects on their health.

The participants completed questionnaires every four years. These questionnaires helped researchers to determine a score for each person.

Certain foods increase the risk of colorectal cancer by 32 percent

There were 2,699 cases of colorectal carcinoma that occurred during the follow-up period. The researchers compared the foods they consumed with the diet of people without colorectal cancer. When the participants consumed pro-inflammatory foods, they became 32 percent more likely to become colon cancer compared to those who scored the lowest scores in the evaluation of inflammation, the researchers report. Chronic inflammation has been linked to various diseases, including cancer, arthritis, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

You should refrain from these foods

Processed meats, red meats, organ meats, refined flour, and sugary drinks are among the foods that are most associated with inflammation, which promote cancer, explain the physicians. On the other hand, for example, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, coffee and fruit juice seemed to reduce the inflammation. The same was true when alcohol consumers took distance from the alcohol.

The influence of diet on cancer risk could be even higher

It's important to focus on the overall diet, not on the specific foods that are included in this diet, experts say. The influence of nutrition is probably even greater than the current results suggest, as certain spices and preparation methods were not taken into account, which may also have a strong effect on inflammation. (As)