How Diet May Affect Your Colorectal Cancer Risk

Whole grains may reduce colorectal cancer risk, while processed meats may increase it

(RxWiki News) The foods you eat may have an impact on your risk for colorectal cancer, according to a new report.

More specifically, eating more whole grains, such as oatmeal and brown rice, might reduce colorectal cancer risk. In fact, the authors of this report found that eating three servings of whole grains per day was tied to a 17 percent reduction in colorectal cancer risk.

Regular exercise might also help prevent colorectal cancer, according to the report. But being obese and eating processed meats like hot dogs and bacon might increase the risk.

"Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers, yet this report demonstrates there is a lot people can do to dramatically lower their risk," said lead report author Dr. Edward L. Giovannucci, professor at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, in a press release. "The findings from this comprehensive report are robust and clear: Diet and lifestyle have a major role in colorectal cancer."

This report discussed several findings based on a review of global research on colorectal cancer. The main conclusion? These researchers said a mostly plant-based diet rich in whole grains would likely lower overall colorectal cancer risk. In fact, the American Institute for Cancer Research, which published this report on its website, estimated that nearly half of colorectal cancer cases in the United States could be prevented through healthy lifestyle adjustments.

The report authors disclosed no outside funding sources or potential conflicts of interest.

Review Date: 
September 12, 2017