By Prima Nwachukwu
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02 Mar, 2022
In the United States, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and in women, and the second most common cause of cancer deaths when men and women are combined. In 2020, it was expected to cause about 53,200 deaths. (1) Colorectal cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells in the colon and rectum grow out of control. It arises from adenomatous polyps; it is believed that preventing the growth of adenomas in the colon and rectum or removing any that appear will prevent colorectal cancer. (2) According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are lifestyle factors that may contribute to an increased risk to colorectal cancer which include: lack of regular physical activities, diet low in fruit and vegetables, a low fiber and high fat diet or a diet high in processed meats, overweight and obesity, alcohol consumption and tobacco use. In a recent study, which was well-designed, randomized, conceived, and implemented using diet of wheat-bran fiber and the Polyp Prevention Trials carried out by Alberts et al came back disappointing with both trials primary end points being negative. Three to four years of either taking a daily wheat-bran supplement or following a diet that was low in fat and high in fruits and vegetables had no effect on the incidence of new colorectal adenomas. (3) Although these clinical trials came back disappointing, observational studies all over the world showed that the risk of colorectal cancer is lower among populations with high intakes of fruits and vegetables and that the risk changes on adoption of a different diet, but we still do not understand why. (4) To prevent and cure colorectal cancer, The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults aged 45-75 should be screened although certain conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, family history of colorectal cancer or polyps and familial adenomatous polyposis may need to be tested earlier. In conclusion, to significantly reduce colon cancer mortality rates in any given population, it is imperative that we follow CDC guidelines on screening tests and lifestyle changes where low-fat and rich fruits and vegetables diets can prevent lethal colon cancer. References: www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html Winawer SJ, Fletcher RH, Miller L, et al. Colorectal cancer screening: clinical guidelines and rationale. Gastroenterology 1997;112:594-642[Erratum, Gastroenterology 1997;112:1060, 1998;114:625.] DJ, et al. Lack of effect of a high-fiber cereal supplement on the recurrence of colorectal adenomas. N Engl J Med 2000;342:1156-1162 The American Cancer Society 1996 Advisory Committee on Diet, Nutrition, and Cancer Prevention. Guidelines on diet, nutrition, and cancer prevention: reducing the risk of cancer with healthy food choices and physical activity. CA Cancer J Clin 1996;46:325-341
