Large Bowel (Colon and Rectal) Cancer and the Mediterranean Diet

Colon and rectal (large bowel) cancer is the 3rd most common cancer among both men and women in Turkey and is a major cause of cancer-related death. Its increasing incidence at younger ages has led many people to wonder how they should eat to reduce their risk of developing colon cancer and what their diet should be.

Many people who have already been diagnosed with colon cancer and completed treatment, meanwhile, often consider this question: Are there further measures to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence (return)?

As everyone knows, adopting a healthy lifestyle is among the measures within our control. One of the most important indicators of a healthy life is being at an ideal weight. To achieve this, a healthy diet and an active life are almost essential. For years, the world's best diet rankings have put in first place the Mediterranean diet , which is in fact an excellent form of healthy eating.

Scientific research has proven that the Mediterranean diet reduces colon cancer risk

Many studies have shown that the Mediterranean diet reduces colon cancer risk. In 2018, JAMA Oncology published the results of an observational study showing that good dietary and exercise habits are effective in extending survival in people with colon cancer.

Many studies of a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains and legumes, but with limited meat consumption, have found colon cancer recurrence risk to be reduced.

Furthermore, even before diagnosis, high fruit and vegetable intake and low consumption of animal products were linked to longer survival in the findings.

The Mediterranean diet is known to reduce the likelihood of developing colon and rectal cancers. However, there had been no clear study identifying which foods in the Mediterranean diet provide this risk reduction until now. Fliss Isakov and the team conducted research with noteworthy results. High fish and fruit consumption and low soft drink/alcohol consumption were found to be the best combination for reducing the likelihood of colorectal polyps (a growth of tissue that generally develops in the cavities of organs).

New studies are also uncovering health benefits of other components of the Mediterranean diet. High-fiber foods and nuts were also found to reduce colorectal cancer risk.

Nuts

One study observed that eating nuts, particularly tree nuts such as walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts, might reduce colon cancer recurrence risk. According to this study, people who eat 2 or more portions of nuts per week have up to a 40% lower risk of colon cancer recurrence. This beneficial effect was observed only for tree nuts (such as walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts and cashews), but not for peanuts, for example. 1 portion of nuts is approximately 15 grams.

Fiber consumption

A diet rich in fiber has many health benefits. Studies have found that fiber consumption reduces the risk of developing colon cancer. Eating fiber-rich foods reduces not only the risk of colon cancer but also the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes by 16–24%.

Another question that comes to many people's minds when colorectal cancer is mentioned concerns red meat consumption. What is the truth?

The pros and cons of red meat

In the report published by the World Health Organization in October 2015, evidence was presented that processed red meat increases the risk of certain cancers. Types of processed red meat (such as salami and sucuk) have been shown to be carcinogenic substances.

According to the results of 800 articles studying the relationship between red meat consumption and cancer, eating 50 grams of processed red meat daily—mainly beef and pork—increases colorectal cancer risk by 18%. It is thought to affect not only large bowel cancer but also pancreatic and prostate cancers.

However, a study in the United Kingdom reported that the amount of nitrites in processed meats was the main factor increasing cancer risk. Some food manufacturers use sodium nitrite to cure meat, enhance its color or extend its shelf life. However, not all processed meats contain nitrites. For example, British and Irish sausages do not contain nitrites, whereas sucuk, salami and sausages from the United States and continental Europe do.

In England, the government recommends that people limit processed meat consumption to 70 grams per day. This is also the average daily consumption per person in the country.

There are so many variables when it comes to people's diets!.. But the evidence on nitrites shows a strong link between colorectal cancer and nitrite-containing processed meats such as sausages and sucuk. The American Cancer Society recommends eating fish, poultry and legumes instead of processed meats.

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What is the rectum? Is nonsurgical rectal treatment possible?

What is the rectum? Is nonsurgical rectal treatment possible?