How Diet and Lifestyle May Help Reduce Colon Cancer Risk
December 10, 2024 study published in Gut explored the issues with inflammation
The Cancer Curveball No One Sees Coming
Hearing the words “you have cancer” is like facing a curveball you didn’t expect—everything changes instantly. Colon cancer, one of the most common cancers globally, has been on the rise, but the latest research provides us with tools to take back control.
New findings published December 10, 2024, in Gut, the journal of the British Society of Gastroenterologists, suggest that our choices at the grocery store or dinner table can directly influence our colon cancer risk. This isn’t about fad diets; it’s about understanding the food on your plate and the small lifestyle changes that may significantly impact you - albeit there are no guarantees. The Gut study is technically dense, but here’s a Perplexity.ai enhanced translation of its abstract for lay people like me.
What the study published in Gut was about
Background
Over 100 years ago, a scientist named Virchow suggested that cancer is like a wound that doesn't heal properly and stays inflamed. Normally, when you get a wound, there's a short period of inflammation followed by a healing phase. This healing phase involves certain fats (lipids) called prostaglandins, which help produce other fats called lipoxins that reduce inflammation.
The Study's Goal
The researchers wanted to see if colorectal cancers have problems with these fat-based processes, leading to ongoing inflammation.
What They Did
They examined samples from colorectal cancer patients, comparing cancerous tissue to normal tissue. They used advanced techniques to analyze the fats present and the genes responsible for producing and modifying these fats.
What They Found
The cancer tissues had more inflammatory fats and fewer inflammation-reducing fats.
The genes responsible for producing inflammatory fats were very active in the tumors.
The genes that should produce inflammation-reducing fats were less active.
Summary of the Study
The researchers concluded that colorectal cancer tumors have an imbalance of fats that favors inflammation. This imbalance seems to be caused by a failure in the normal process of switching from inflammatory fats to healing fats.
Potential Impact of the Study
This discovery could lead to new treatments for colorectal cancer. These treatments might involve providing the missing inflammation-reducing fats or encouraging the body to produce more of them, potentially slowing down cancer growth and spread.
The Risk Factors Hiding in Plain Sight
Researchers have zeroed in on two key contributors to colon cancer risk:
Omega-6 Fatty Acids: While omega-6 fats are common in many foods, excessive intake—especially from vegetable oils like corn, soybean, and sunflower oil—may increase inflammation, a known driver of cancer growth. Soy is in everything - fast food, processed food, it’s everywhere.
Ultraprocessed Foods: Packaged snacks, sugary cereals, frozen meals, and reconstituted meats are convenient but come at a cost. Men, in particular, are at higher risk of colon cancer from these foods. They’re also often cooked with soybean oil.
This information doesn’t mean you need to overhaul your entire diet overnight. Instead, it’s about balancing the scales and making intentional choices.
Small Changes That May Help Prevent Colon Cancer
Here’s the good news: simple swaps and consistent habits may reduce colon cancer risk and boost overall health.
Balance Omega-6 and Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Replace processed oils with healthier options like olive oil and incorporate omega-3-rich foods such as salmon, sardines, walnuts, grass-fed and finished beef, pastured eggs, and flaxseeds.
Minimize Ultraprocessed Foods: Choose whole, nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Think fresh instead of packaged.
Stay on time with screening: Talk with your doctor about your personal risk profile and the appropriate screening to ensure any possible colon cancer is caught early.
Food and supporting loved ones facing cancer
If you or someone you love is already facing cancer, these dietary shifts can provide added strength and support. Cancer journeys are tough, but food can be both fuel and comfort.
Don’t communicate or infer that their eating choices gave them cancer - blaming the victim is not supportive.
If you bring them a meal, use whole, fresh foods they like.
Create rituals—like shared meals or weekly grocery trips (or list making)—that bring connection and joy during a challenging time.
Celebrate small wins together, whether completing treatment or enjoying a nutritious meal. Even a treat is appreciated from time to time.
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