The diagram above showed the risk factors of colorectal cancer.
Genetics
Genetics do have an association with colorectal cancer, although the reasons are not clear in all cases. If you have a family history and inherited syndrome of colorectal cancer, then you might be having a higher risk of colorectal cancer. Inherited genes shared environmental factors or a combination of these influences may put you on a higher risk of colorectal cancer. Your family history will influence the period your doctor recommends you a colonoscopy to screen for colorectal cancer. According to "Colorectal Cancer Screening and Surveillance in Individuals at Increased Risk" published by Wilkins, McMechan, Talukder and Herline (2017), individuals who have a first-degree relative with colorectal cancer or advanced adenoma diagnosed before 60 years of age or two first-degree relatives diagnosed at any age should be advised to start screening colonoscopy at 40 years of age or 10 years younger than the earliest diagnosis in their family, whichever comes first.
There are also some inherited syndromes linked to colorectal cancer. Two of the most common inherited syndromes linked with colorectal cancer are familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). Other syndromes that may increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer include Lynch Syndrome, Turcot Syndrome and Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome.
There are some studies showed the association of racial and ethnic background with colorectal cancer. In the United States, it is found out that African American have the highest incidence of colorectal cancer. Other than that, Ashkenazi Jews also have a higher risk of developing the disease. For most average-risk patients, it is generally recommended to undergo a colonoscopy at age 45 rather than 50.
Inadequate fibre intake
Individuals who rarely incorporate fibre sources (i.e. plant-based foods) in their diet might have a higher risk of colorectal cancer. This is because they will miss good plant sources such as oatmeal, brown rice and other whole grains that help to lower risk of colorectal cancer. Besides, they will also miss a wide variety of substances that are found in plant food, such as carotenoids, selenium, lycopene, which may protect cancer in many ways.
Apart from that, there is a relationship between fibre intake and gut health. Studies showed that increased fibre intake may lead to a dilution of fecal carcinogens, reduced transit time, and bacterial fermentation of fibre to short-chain fatty acids with anticarcinogenic properties.
Numerous prospective studies have evaluated the association between fibre and colorectal cancer, and a meta-analysis showed a reduced risk of colorectal cancer with dietary fibre intake. In 2011, the World Cancer Research Fund and American Institute of Cancer Research continuous update report on colorectal cancer concluded that there was “convincing” evidence that increased fibre intake was protective against the risk of colorectal cancer now.
A recent meta-analysis also reported that total fibre intake was associated with a reduced risk of adenoma; however, the reduction in risk was greater and only significant for retrospective case-control studies and not significant for prospective studies.
Alcohol Consumption
As alcohol intake increases (starting at about 2 or more drinks per day), the risk of colorectal cancer also increases. This is because our body will convert alcohol into acetaldehyde, which is a potent carcinogen. In addition, alcohol may act as a solvent that eases the process of carcinogens penetrating the cells lining the colon. Alcohol also may adversely affect the efficiency of our body repairing DNA damage and defending against free radicals.
To reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, limit your alcohol intake to less than 2 drinks per day.
Smoking
Smoking is an established risk factor of colorectal cancer as studies have found out that smokers are more likely to die from colorectal cancer than non-smokers. As some of the cancer-causing substances found in the cigarettes might be swallowed during smoking, it might potentially increasing the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Quit smoking, especially for those who are having other risk factors of colorectal cancer to reduce your risk.
Conclusion:
We provide various healthy and nutritious meals with sufficient servings of vegetables that help lower the risk of colorectal cancer. Use promo code “HOMEYBLOG” to enjoy 5% discount while ordering meals from Homey!
Sources:
- American Insitute of Cancer Research
- Cancer Treatments Centers of America
- Wilkins, T., McMechan, D., Talukder, A., & Herline, A. (2018). Colorectal cancer screening and surveillance in individuals at increased risk. American family physician, 97(2), 111-116.
- World Cancer Research Fund