Which Foods Reduce Colon Cancer Risk and Increase Recurrence Risk?

Colon (large bowel) cancer is the 3. most common cancer in both men and women in our country and an important cause of cancer-related death. Because it is common and the average age at diagnosis is falling, many wonder how to eat to reduce their risk of colon cancer . Meanwhile, patients already diagnosed and finished with treatment, and their families, most often ask:

Are there further measures to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence?

Maintaining an ideal weight, an active life, and a healthy diet are the foundations of a healthy lifestyle. Among patients following these three principles, %42 were found to have a lower risk of death and cancer recurrence.

• You may be interested in: Which Cancers Recur, and at What Rates?

Let us examine nutrition in more detail:

Processed meats (sausages, ham, sucuk, pastırma, smoked meat, etc.) and other ultra-processed foods (flavored potato chips, cola, sugary breakfast cereals, etc.) increase colon cancer risk , as we now clearly know. However, many people are unaware that tobacco and tobacco products increase colon and rectal cancer risk! Smoking is linked to increased colorectal cancer risk and many other cancers and health problems. Quitting can help reduce colorectal and other cancer risks. Another important nutritional question in colon cancer concerns red meat and barbecuing. Healthy diets generally contain little red meat; we recommend limiting it to 300-400 grams weekly (1-2 servings). Our following 2 articles discuss red meat and cancer in more detail:

• Red Meat: Pros and Cons
• The Relationship Between Barbecuing Meat and Cancer

Are There Foods That Reduce Colon and Rectal Cancer Risk? Which Ones?

Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet has been selected as the healthiest diet of recent years. It was known to reduce colon and rectal cancer risk, but until now no clear study had identified which foods produce this reduction.

In research by Fliss Isakov and colleagues, people undergoing colonoscopy screening follow-up, totaling 808, completed a dietary questionnaire. All were aged 40 - 70 and not at high risk for colorectal cancer. The notable finding was that high fish and fruit intake and low soft drink/alcohol intake were the best combination for reducing colorectal polyp likelihood.

Nuts

Another study observed that eating tree nuts (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, etc.) may reduce colon cancer recurrence. According to this research, people consuming 2 or more servings of tree nuts weekly had recurrence risk reduced by up to %40. This benefit was seen only with tree nuts (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, cashews), not peanuts, for example. For 1 serving, amounts are: 6-8 almonds, 2 walnuts, or 10-12 hazelnuts.

Fiber

Studies also found that fiber consumption reduces colon cancer risk. Eating fiber-rich foods reduces not only colon cancer risk but also coronary heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes risk by %16–24.

The World Health Organization (DSÖ) recommends daily fiber intake of 25-29 grams. We can meet this need by eating 5 servings of fruit and vegetables daily and legumes 3-4 times weekly.

Chili Peppers

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Investigation suggested that capsaicin in chili peppers may reduce colorectal cancer risk. Another study provided evidence that long-term capsaicin consumption reduces “cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis” (heart muscle changes that can lead to heart attack). Another emphasized that suppressing the capsaicin receptor in the brain with a chemical under development may be promising particularly for abdominal pain, emotional stress, and anxiety (uneasiness). Studies also show capsaicin, alone or with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers , has protective and therapeutic gastrointestinal properties. Fresh or properly dried chili peppers should be preferred to pickled versions. Despite these benefits, those unaccustomed to them should not start rapidly.

Conclusion

Studies on reducing colon cancer risk continue to grow. A healthy lifestyle and attention to certain tips can reduce the risk of developing colon cancer or recurrence. This requires maintaining ideal weight, emphasizing fruit and vegetables, avoiding processed foods, and keeping exercise central to life. We also recommend that everyone after 45 undergo routine colon cancer screening.

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• Colorectal Cancer Screening Age Should Be Lowered to 45 According to the New ACS Guideline
• Obesity-Related Cancers Are Rising Markedly in Young Adults