New Report: Alcohol Increases Colorectal Cancer Risk
New Report finds whole grains lower colorectal cancer risk, processed meat and alcohol increase risk
AICR report analyzing the global research finds hot dogs and other processed meats and alcohol increase risk of colorectal cancer, physical activity lowers risk.
Eating whole grains daily, such as brown rice or whole-wheat bread, reduces colorectal cancer risk, with the more you eat the lower the risk, finds a new report by the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) and the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF). This is the first time AICR/WCRF research links whole grains independently to lower cancer risk.
The report entitled “Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Colorectal Cancer” also found that hot dogs, bacon and other processed meats and alcohol consumed regularly increase the risk of colorectal cancer. 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 as well as alcohol 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.
Other factors found to increase colorectal cancer include:
- Eating high amounts of red meat (above 500 grams cooked weight a week), such as beef or pork
- Being overweight or obese
- Consuming alcohol daily (30 grams of alcohol), such as wine or beer
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%.
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% of US colorectal cancer cases could be prevented each year through healthy lifestyle changes.
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 … and avoidance or cessation of smoking also lower risk,” explained Giovannucci.