Food for Colon Cancer: is Your Diet Increasing Your Risk

Although diet plays a role in the development of most types of cancer, the relationship between diet and colon cancer is particularly strong. This isn’t surprising given the fact that food comes into direct contact with the surface of the colon as it passes through the body. With colon cancer now being the third most common type of cancer, it’s important to understand the role that diet plays in prevention of this disease. Are you eating an appropriate diet to prevent colon cancer? Here’s what you need to know about dietary intake and colon cancer:

Calcium Rich Foods

Several studies have suggested that the risk of colon cancer can be reduced by a high intake of calcium rich foods. A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in 2004 showed that colon cancer incidence declined with increasing consumption of milk and dairy products that contain calcium. This effect was seen in both men and women irrespective of age. Various other studies have shown that the incidence of colon cancer declines with both increasing calcium intake as well as vitamin D. It isn’t surprising that Vitamin D might play a role in reducing colon cancer risk since it helps aid in the absorption of calcium. The best way to ensure that you’re getting sufficient levels of Vitamin D is to expose your skin to the sun for ten minutes each day and consume fatty fish such as salmon on a regular basis.

The Role of Red Meat

Unfortunately, that giant steak you enjoy fresh off the grill could come back to haunt you from a medical standpoint. Several studies have shown that colon cancer incidence goes up with increasing consumption of red meat and processed meats. Surprisingly, even as little as three ounces of red meat per day was correlated with an increased risk which is equivalent to what you’d get by eating a small hamburger. It doesn’t appear that all meats are off limits since most studies haven’t found a correlation between consumption of white meats such as pork and chicken unless they’re smoked or highly processed. Overall, it would appear that the less red meat you eat, the better in terms of colon cancer risk.

Fiber

Most of us don’t get enough of it, but, surprisingly, fiber intake doesn’t have a strong preventative effect against colon cancer. It was originally thought that people who consume large amounts of fiber would be at reduced risk since fiber can act to alter transit time through the bowels and can help to dilute out potential carcinogens. Unfortunately, recent studies have shown less than impressive protective effects from eating higher quantities of fiber. Although fiber may not necessarily protect you against colon cancer, it should still be a staple in your diet due to its potential to lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Alcohol

Although most studies show a weak association, consumption of high quantities of alcohol does appear to slightly increase the risk of developing colon cancer. The best way to avoid this potential risk factor is to restrict your alcohol intake to no more than a single glass of wine each day which may have cardioprotective effects.

If you’re concerned about your potential risk for colon cancer, follow your doctor’s guidelines and get a screening colonoscopy at regular intervals starting at age fifty. (earlier if you have a family history). In addition, reassess your diet and make sure you’re doing the right things to prevent this common cancer.