Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

March marks an essential period in the health calendar: Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. During this month, we spotlight the significance of understanding, preventing, and managing Colorectal Cancer (CRC), a leading health issue that, alarmingly, has become the most common cause of cancer-related deaths in men and ranks second in women under the age of 50¹. This statistic alone underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and proactive measures.

Research indicates that a staggering 70% of colon cancer cases may be preventable by addressing and eliminating certain risk factors². These include a high intake of processed and red meats, saturated fats, and alcoholic beverages³, alongside a low consumption of fiber-rich foods⁴. Additionally, elevated body fat, physical inactivity, and smoking are significant contributors to the risk⁵. It's empowering to know that we hold the reins when it comes to managing many of these risk factors through our daily choices.

The American Institute of Cancer Research offers a beacon of hope, stating, "Colorectal cancer is considered one of the cancers most preventable by diet and lifestyle choices."⁶ 

This assertion highlights diet and lifestyle as pivotal elements in our fight against CRC. The food we consume is crucial, especially in nurturing our gut microbiota. This complex ecosystem of microbes residing in our gastrointestinal tract profoundly impacts our health. Certain opportunistic pathogens within the gut microbiota have promoted CRC development by suppressing protective immune responses, fueling inflammation, and fostering the growth of cancerous cells⁷.

Conversely, our gut is also home to beneficial bacteria that, when nourished properly, produce metabolites like butyrate that have protective effects against CRC. Butyrate, a by-product of fiber digestion by these helpful bacteria, notably inhibits the growth of CRC cells⁸.

Embracing a fiber-rich diet supports our overall health and explicitly targets CRC prevention by enhancing butyrate production. Setting a daily fiber intake goal, such as 30 grams, can be a straightforward yet impactful strategy in our fight against this disease.

Resources

1. Jemal A, et. al.;. Global cancer statistics. CA Cancer J Clin. 2011 Mar-Apr;61(2):69-90. doi: 10.3322/caac.20107. Epub 2011 Feb 4. Erratum in: CA Cancer J Clin. 2011 Mar-Apr;61(2):134.
2. Giovannucci E. Modifiable risk factors for colon cancer. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2002 Dec;31(4):925-43. doi: 10.1016/s0889-8553(02)00057-2. PMID: 12489270.
3. Mafiana RN, et.al.; Association between Dietary and Lifestyle Indices and Colorectal Cancer in Oman: A Case-Control Study. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2018 Nov 29;19(11):
4. Masrul M, Nindrea RD. Dietary Fibre Protective against Colorectal Cancer Patients in Asia: A Meta-Analysis. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2019 May 30;7(10):1723-1727
5. Yang Y, Yang L, Zhou L, Tang S. A Critical Review of the Effect of Dietary Fiber Intake on the Prevention of Colorectal Cancer in Eastern Asian Countries. J Healthc Eng. 2021 Jan 16;2021
6. Diet, the Gut Microbiome and Colorectal Cancer: Connecting the Dots
7. Sánchez-Alcoholado L, et. al.;. The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Colorectal Cancer Development and Therapy Response. Cancers (Basel). 2020 May 29;12(6)
8. Geng HW, et. al.;. Butyrate Suppresses Glucose Metabolism of Colorectal Cancer Cells via GPR109a-AKT Signaling Pathway and Enhances Chemotherapy. Front Mol Biosci. 2021 Mar 29;8:634874.