by People may be at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC) if they consume certain foods and drinks, according to a new study published in the journal Nutrients.
Researchers from the Zhejiang University School of Medicine in China analyzed 139 dietary factors and their impact on the risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC).
Participants included 118,210 people who took part in the long-term UK Biobank study — all of whom completed online questionnaires about their food intake.
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After an average follow-up of 12.8 years, the researchers identified eight foods that were shown to influence CRC risk.
The first two, alcohol and white bread, were found to increase the risk, regardless of genetic factors.
People may be at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer if they consume certain foods and drinks, according to a new study that has just been published. (iStock)
Previous studies have linked alcohol with increased risk of cancer.
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“Ethanol in any type of alcoholic beverage is a known risk factor for CRC as its first metabolite, acetaldehyde, has been evaluated as a human carcinogen by the International Research Agency,” the study authors wrote.
The risk associated with white bread is also consistent with previous studies, they noted.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer among US adults, according to the American Cancer Society.
“In particular, whole grains are a great source of many vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals that have anti-cancer properties and may influence CRC risk through several possible mechanisms,” the authors wrote.
The other six dietary elements – fiber, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese and carbohydrate – were found to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, according to the researchers.
The risk associated with white bread is also consistent with previous studies, because “whole grains are a major source of many vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that have anti-cancer properties,” the study authors wrote. (iStock)
The remaining foods showed no effect on CRC risk.
These results persisted after adjusting for factors such as family history, age, gender, socioeconomic deprivation and education.
Fox News Digital reached out to the study’s authors for comment.
“The results of this study reaffirm the long-established link between lifestyle and dietary choices and the prevention of colorectal cancer.”
Misagh Karimi, MD, a medical oncologist and colorectal cancer specialist at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center in Irvine, Californiahe was not involved in the study but offered his response to its findings.
“The results of this study reaffirm the long-established link between lifestyle and dietary choices and the prevention of colorectal cancer,” he told Fox News Digital.
Previous studies have linked alcohol to an increased risk of cancer. (iStock)
“These results emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle and dietary habits, including limiting alcohol consumption and choosing a diet rich in high-fiber foods to reduce the risk of cancer,” Karimi said.
Although the study does not evaluate the importance of genetic factors in cancer risk, the doctor noted that it emphasizes the impact that diet can have on cancer prevention.
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“This study also stands out because of its size and design,” said Karimi.
“It involved a large sample population of 500,000 middle-aged people, a long follow-up period and a comprehensive assessment of dietary factors.”
Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer among US adults, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). (iStock)
However, the study had one important limitation.
“As the researchers point out, the analysis was limited to a European population,” Karimi noted.
“To ensure the applicability of these findings to different populations, further studies are needed to validate these findings on a wider population.”
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Erin Palinski-Wade, a New Jersey-based registered dietitian, also included in the results. She was not involved in the study.
“These results make sense, because diets rich in simple sugars combined with excess alcohol can increase cancer risk, especially in those with an increased genetic risk of developing cancer,” she told Fox News Digital.
“However, it is important to remember that this research shows association, not causation,” she said.
A dietitian recommends looking at the whole picture of a person’s dietary behavior and lifestyle over time to assess and improve risk factors. (iStock)
A person who eats larger amounts of white bread may be eating lower amounts of whole grains and fiber overall, the dietician said.
“And since fiber reduces the risk of colorectal cancer, it is possible to increase risk, not eating the white bread itself on a diet low in fiber,” she said.
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With alcohol intakePalinski-Wade noted that quantity and frequency will have a significant impact on disease risk.
“Furthermore, we don’t know what other lifestyle behaviors the regular drinkers in this research are engaging in,” she said.
In the year 2023, it is expected that 106,970 new cases of colon cancer and 46,050 new cases of rectal cancer will be diagnosed. (iStock)
While the research highlights that eating more fiber and more whole foods can be beneficial in reducing cancer risk, Palinski-Wade noted that diet is not the only factor in cancer risk.
“Also, one specific food, such as white bread, will not make or break your health,” she said.
“The greatest impact will be on the overall nutritional quality of your entire diet, day after day.”
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While the dietitian recommends choosing whole grains over refined grains whenever possible, she said that doesn’t mean it’s necessary to avoid white bread altogether or that abstaining from eating it will automatically reduce the risk.
“Instead, you should look at the whole picture of your dietary and lifestyle behaviours over time to assess and improve your own risk factors,” she said.
A diet low in fruits, vegetables and fiber — or high in fat or processed meat — can contribute to a higher risk, according to the CDC. (iStock)
Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer among US adults, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
In the year 2023, it is expected that 106,970 new cases of colon cancer and 46,050 new cases of rectal cancer will be diagnosed.
While rates among older adults have been falling in recent years, they have been rising among people under 50, increasing 1% to 2% annually since the mid-1990s, according to the ACS.
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Dietary factors are known to contribute to a higher risk of these types of cancers.
A diet low in fruits, vegetables and fiber — or high in fat or processed meat — can contribute to a higher risk, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Alcohol consumption and tobacco use can also increase the risk, the health agency said.
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