Our diet has far-reaching health effects and also influences the risk of colon cancer. A current study shows which foods have a causal connection with the likelihood of colon cancer.
In the study, a Chinese research team analyzed possible connections between the risk of colon cancer and the consumption of various foods using data from the so-called IEU Open GWAS project. The results are published in the specialist magazine “Frontiers in Nutrition”.
Nutrition and colon cancer
Numerous previous studies have suggested a link between colorectal cancer and dietary habits, and earlier this year, for example, research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded that eating leafy greens may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
Another study published in the “International Journal of Cancer” suggested that coffee consumption can also protect against colon cancer, and numerous other foods are also suspected to have a connection to the risk of cancer.
However, it has remained largely unclear whether there is actually a causal connection between individual nutritional factors and colon cancer, reports the team.
How do individual foods influence risk?
Based on the extensive data from the IEU Open GWAS project, the researchers used so-called Mendelian randomization analyzes to check whether individual foods may have a connection with the risk of colon cancer.
Consumption of alcoholic beverages, processed meat, beef, poultry, fatty fish, non-oily fish, lamb/mutton, pork, cheese, bread, tea, coffee, cooked vegetables, cereals, fresh fruit, salad and raw foods and dried fruit consumption were taken into account , reports the team.
Causal relationship between these foods
When analyzing possible connections, the researchers found that the consumption of alcoholic beverages per week was causally correlated with an increased risk of colon cancer.
According to the researchers, there was also a causal relationship between the risk of colon cancer and the consumption of non-fatty fish, fresh fruit intake, grain intake and the consumption of dried fruits – but in the opposite direction. They reduced the risk of colon cancer.
For other foods examined, such as coffee, tea or processed meat, the experts were unable to prove any significant causal relationships, although previous studies had suggested connections with the risk of colon cancer.
Using nutrition to prevent cancer
Overall, the study results suggest regularly consuming non-fatty fish, fresh fruit, dried fruits and whole grain products in order to minimize your personal risk of colon cancer. However, it is important to avoid alcohol if possible. (fp)
