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September 20, 2017 | 5 minute read

Processed Meats Increase Colorectal Cancer Risk, New Report

Eating hot dogs, bacon, and other processed meats daily increases the risk of colorectal cancer, with the more you eat the greater the risk, finds a new report by AICR and the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF). The report, an analysis of the global research, adds to the evidence that diet and lifestlye play an important role in protecting against colorectal cancer.

Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Colorectal Cancer also found that eating whole grains daily, such as brown rice or whole-wheat bread, reduces risk of this cancer. This is the first time AICR/WCRF research links whole grains independently to lower cancer risk.

There was strong evidence that physical activity protects against colon cancer.

“Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers, yet this report demonstrates there is a lot people can do to dramatically lower their risk,” said Edward L. Giovannucci, MD, ScD, lead author of the report and professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health. “The findings from this comprehensive report are robust and clear: Diet and lifestyle have a major role in colorectal cancer.”

The new report evaluated the scientific research worldwide on how diet, weight and physical activity affect colorectal cancer risk. The report analyzed 99 studies, including data on 29 million people, of whom over a quarter of a million were diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

The findings from this comprehensive report are robust and clear: Diet and lifestyle have a major role in colorectal cancer.”

Hot dogs, Alcohol and Red Meat

For processed meat, every 50 grams consumed daily — about one hot dog — linked to a 16 percent increased risk of this cancer.

Other factors found to increase colorectal cancer risk include:

  • Being overweight or obese. Previous reports from AICR and WCRF  have found that excess body fat also increases risk for ovarian, post-menopausal breast, esophageal, colorectal, gallbladder, liver, endometrial, kidney, stomach cardia, pancreatic, and advanced prostate cancers.
  • Consuming two or more daily alcoholic drinks (30 grams of alcohol), such as wine or beer
  • There was also strong evidence that eating high amounts of red meat regularly (above 18 oz cooked, weekly) increases risk. Red meat includes beef and pork.

Lowering Risk with Fiber, Activity and Grains

The report concluded that eating approximately three servings (90 grams) of whole grains daily reduces the risk of colorectal cancer by 17 percent. It adds to previous evidence showing that foods containing fiber decreases the risk of this cancer.

For physical activity, people who are more physically active have a lower risk of colon cancer compared to those who do very little physical activity. Here, the decreased risk was apparent for colon and not rectal cancer.

In the US, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among both men and women, with an estimated 371 cases diagnosed each day. AICR estimates that 47 percent of US colorectal cancer cases could be prevented each year through healthy lifestyle changes.

Preventing Colorectal Cancers
AICR estimates that 47 percent of US colorectal cancers could be prevented if all adults were to get to a healthy weight and follow other healthy lifestyle habits.

Other established lifestyle links to colorectal cancer include inflammatory bowel disease and smoking. Screening is also an important part of colorectal cancer prevention.

Notes Giovannucci: “Many of the ways to help prevent colorectal cancer are important for overall health. Factors such as maintaining a lean body weight, proper exercise, limiting red and processed meat and eating more whole grains and fiber would lower risk substantially. Moreover, limiting alcohol to at most two drinks per day and avoidance or cessation of smoking also lower risk.”

Fish, Fruits and Vegetables, Emerging Evidence

The report found other links between diet and colorectal cancer that were visible but not as clear. There was limited evidence that risk increases with low intake of both non-starchy vegetables and fruit. A higher risk was observed for intakes of less than 100 grams per day (about a cup) of each.

Emerging evidence also showed links to lowering risk of colorectal cancer with fish and foods containing vitamin C. Oranges, strawberries and spinach are all foods high in vitamin C.

The research continues to emerge for these factors, but it all points to the power of a plant-based diet, says Alice Bender, MS, RDN, AICR Director of Nutrition Programs. “Replacing some of your refined grains with whole grains and eating mostly plant foods, such as fruits, vegetables and beans, will give you a diet packed with cancer-protective compounds and help you manage your weight, which is so important to lower risk.”

“When it comes to cancer there are no guarantees, but it’s clear now there are choices you can make and steps you can take to lower your risk of colorectal and other cancers,” said Bender.


Sources:

AICR and World Cancer Research Fund. Diet, NutritionPhysical Activity, and Colorectal Cancer. September, 2017.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What are the Risk Factors for Colorctal Cancer? 

National Cancer Institute. Cancer Stat Facts: Colon and Rectum Cancer.

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