Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK with 44,000 people diagnosed with the disease every year
Colorectal cancer cases in younger people have been increasing. However new research shows eating milk along with fibre-rich foods like sweet potato and apple daily, could be a key player in preventing the disease.
Recent studies have found that milk, dairy products, carbohydrates, and fibre might lower the risk of developing the cancer. While further investigation is necessary, experts believe that making smart food choices daily could lower the chances of developing the disease.
Unlike past advice that often involved cutting out food groups, the latest findings point to the advantages of adding specific carbs and fibre-rich foods, as well as milk and dairy, to a balanced diet. Steven Lee-Kong, M.D., chief of Colorectal Surgery at Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center, commented: “This new research takes a deeper look at the complex interplay between diet, gut health, and cancer development. It reinforces the importance of a balanced and informed approach to nutrition as part of a comprehensive strategy for colorectal cancer prevention.”
Bowel – or colorectal – cancer is cancer found anywhere in the large bowel, which includes the colon and rectum. It’s one of the most common forms of the disease in the UK.
Cancer Research UK statistics reveal that there are, on average, 44,000 cases of bowel or colorectal cancer annually. Despite half of the patients surviving for a decade or more, around 16,808 individuals die from the disease each year, reports Surrey Live. However the charity emphasises that over half of these cases – 54% – are preventable.
The experts say there are key elements to the new approach in trying to prevent the disease. They point to the growing evidence of the gut microbiome’s vital role – the complex community of microbes in our digestive systems – in maintaining health and warding off diseases like bowel cancer.
They advise:
- Certain foods, like fibre, can selectively nourish beneficial gut bacteria, leading to a healthier gut environment and potentially reducing cancer risk. However diets high in processed meats and low in fibre can promote the growth of harmful bacteria that may contribute to inflammation and cancer development
- Fibre is found in foods including sweet potato. It adds bulk to the stool, speeding up transit time through the colon and reducing the exposure of the colon lining to potential carcinogens. Fermentable fibres are also broken down by gut bacteria into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), like butyrate, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties
- Previous views on restricting all carbohydrates is changing with experts saying while refined carbohydrates and added sugars can contribute to inflammation and insulin resistance, potentially increasing cancer risk complex carbohydrates found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables provide essential nutrients and fibre, which are beneficial for gut health and may protect against colorectal cancer
- Emerging research suggests that dairy products, particularly milk, may have a protective effect against colorectal cancer. This could be due to various factors, including calcium, vitamin D, and potentially other bioactive compounds in dairy. However, more research is needed to fully understand these potential benefits.
Despite the findings Glenn S. Parker, Vice Chairman, Surgery and Chief of the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center says there is still something else people should do to increase their chances if they have the disease. He said: “While diet plays a role, regular screening remains the most effective way to detect and treat colorectal cancer early.
“Most people should get screened for colorectal cancer starting at age 45. The gold standard for screening remains getting a colonoscopy, since any polyps that are discovered can be removed by the physician during the procedure.”
Dr. Parker emphasised that individuals at high risk for colon cancer, such as those with a family history of the disease, certain genetic conditions like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), and lifestyle factors including smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, diets rich in red and processed meats, low intake of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and physical inactivity, should consider getting colonoscopies at younger ages.
In the UK, the NHS offers bowel cancer screening to people aged 54 to 74, allowing them to perform a test at home that looks for signs of the disease. The NHS clarified: “Bowel cancer screening uses a test called a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) to look for blood in a sample of your poo. This could be a sign of bowel cancer. You collect the sample at home and send it by post to be tested.
“It can help find cancer early, and before you have any symptoms, which may mean it’s easier to treat. It continued: “Bowel cancer screening is currently offered to everyone aged 54 to 74 every two years.
“It will soon be offered to everyone aged 50 to 74, so you may be sent a home test kit now if you’re aged 50 or over. This is because your risk of getting bowel cancer gets higher as you get older.”