Prevention of Colorectal Cancer and Dietary Management
Prevention of Colorectal Cancer and Dietary Management
It has been estimated that dietary factors account for nearly half of all colorectal cancer cases, and therefore diet and lifestyle are key intervention points in primary prevention. This review summarized and updated the relevant epidemiologic evidence for dietary constituents and other modifiable factors, some of which are likely correlated with diet behavior. There is convincing, or moderately convincing and rather consistent, evidence that intakes of garlic, vitamin B6 and magnesium, maintaining a healthy weight and waist via both diet and exercise, and avoiding or reducing red meat, alcohol, and smoking, may significantly protect against developing colorectal cancer. There is high quality yet less consistent evidence for the following dietary components: fruit and vegetable intake (fiber and folate), fish and Omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, dairy, calcium and vitamin D. For high risk populations for whom dietary and lifestyle interventions may not be sufficient for primary prevention, aspirin and other chemoprevention agents may be considered, although the minimal effective dose remains unclear. Ongoing studies may shed light on additional safe interventions that can reduce colorectal cancer and will likely have other health benefits.
Conclusions
It has been estimated that dietary factors account for nearly half of all colorectal cancer cases, and therefore diet and lifestyle are key intervention points in primary prevention. This review summarized and updated the relevant epidemiologic evidence for dietary constituents and other modifiable factors, some of which are likely correlated with diet behavior. There is convincing, or moderately convincing and rather consistent, evidence that intakes of garlic, vitamin B6 and magnesium, maintaining a healthy weight and waist via both diet and exercise, and avoiding or reducing red meat, alcohol, and smoking, may significantly protect against developing colorectal cancer. There is high quality yet less consistent evidence for the following dietary components: fruit and vegetable intake (fiber and folate), fish and Omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, dairy, calcium and vitamin D. For high risk populations for whom dietary and lifestyle interventions may not be sufficient for primary prevention, aspirin and other chemoprevention agents may be considered, although the minimal effective dose remains unclear. Ongoing studies may shed light on additional safe interventions that can reduce colorectal cancer and will likely have other health benefits.
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