Nutrition in preventing colon cancer

Unfortunately, we must agree that, most of the time, we give little thought to the idea that we may be “preparing” ourselves up for colon cancer. All the time, we do just what we shouldn’t - we don't drink enough water, or eat the right foods! Do you know what the consequences are?  It’s simple! Our colons are filling up with excess waste and rotting fecal matter, which represents one of the most important risk factors for developing colon cancer! The fact is that most people don't think about colon cancer until they either have it or someone they love has it. Remember- we can prevent it!

Several researches done lately one this subject have confirmed the fact that approximately 70 percent of colon cancers could be prevented with only moderate changes in diet and lifestyle.  There are theories suggested by some experts that insulin resistance can contribute to the development of the colon cancer! It is one specific condition characterized by a circulation of higher levels of insulin because the body is less responsive to it. What happens then? Well, Insulin seems to change cell processes in ways that promote the development of cancer. Did you know that this condition is most common in people how are overweight? That’s why; you can assume how important diet is for prevention of colon cancer! 

What are the most common symptoms of the colon cancer!? Well, first of all, the patient may be asymptomatic which is why- you can’t really say do you or do you not have it. This is one reason why most of the experts recommend periodic screening. This testing includes fecal occult blood testing and colonoscopy. Even when symptoms do occur- there are no rules because they depend on the site of the lesion.  Some of the most common symptoms are:

·         Tarry stools (condition called -melena)

·         Reduction in diameter of feces

·         Change in bowel habits

·         change in frequency (constipation and/or diarrhea),

·         change in the quality of stools

·         change in consistency of stools

·         Bloody stools or rectal bleeding

·         Feeling of incomplete defecation (Tenesmus)

·         Stools with mucus

·         Bowel obstruction

It is extremely important to know that there are several risk factors for developing a colon cancer! Knowing and avoiding the risk factors is a best way of colon cancer prevention!  Risk factors for colon cancer are as follows:

·         Age

Several researches done in the past have showed that older people, specifically over the age of 50, are more likely to get colon cancer. Of course, this isn't a rule- it can occur in younger people!

·         Diet

Studies have shown that a diet high in fat and calories and low in fiber can contribute to colon cancer. That’s why; appropriate diet is the key of colon cancer prevention!

·         Polyps

What exactly is a colon polyp? Well, a polyp is a benign growth on the wall of the colon or rectum. Although, is it not true that all polyps can turn into cancer- the fact is that certain types of polyps can increase the risk of colon cancer.  

·         Family history

Unfortunately- there is a hereditary part of all this! The fact is that a person whose parent or a child has had colon cancer is at an increased risk!

·         Ulcerative colitis and IBD

 People with longstanding ulcerative colitis or who have Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are at increased risk for developing colon cancer.  

 

Surgery is probably the best and one of the most effective treatment options for colon cancer! There are several types of surgery:

·         Curative

When we talk about curative treatment we should know that it is best done very early while cancer is still within a polyp. Therefore, an operation of removal is called polypectomy. When we talk about a cancer that has spread beyond the binderies of a polyp- it requires surgical removal of the section of colon containing the tumor with sufficient margins, and radical resection of local lymph nodes to reduce local recurrence.  

·         Palliative

Word “palliative” means that the real cause isn't terminated but rather prolonged life or the quality of it! That’s why it is called “non-curative” type of surgery! This is usually done in case of multiple metastases when resection of the primary tumor is the only choice in order to reduce further morbidity caused by tumor bleeding, invasion, and its catabolic effect.  

·         Bypass Surgery or fecal diversion

Unfortunately- in the cases when the tumor invaded into nearby vital structures- the surgeons may prefer to bypass the tumor because the metastases make excision technically difficult or even completely impossible!

We should point out that, although surgery is far most effective type of colon cancer treatment, chemotherapy can also be extremely helpful! It is usually used to reduce the chances of metastasis developing, shrink tumor size, or slow tumor growth.

Most patients are confused because sometimes the chemotherapy goes before and sometimes after the surgery! Well, the fact is that it sometimes really goes before and sometimes after the surgery! That’s why; we can divide it into several types:

·         after surgery (adjuvant)

·         before surgery (neo-adjuvant

·         as the primary therapy if surgery is not indicated (palliative)

Some of the most commonly used medication in chemotherapy for colon cancer and, which have also been approved for use by the US Food and Drug Administration are next:

·         5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or Capecitabine

·         Leucovorin (LV, Folinic Acid)

·         Irinotecan (Camptosar®)

·         Oxaliplatin (Eloxatin®)

·         Bevacizumab (Avastin®)

·         Cetuximab (Erbitux®)

·         Panitumumab (Vectibix)

·         Bortezomib (Velcade®)

·         Oblimersen (Genasense®, G3139)

·         Gefitinib and Erlotinib (Tarceva®)

·         Topotecan (Hycamtin®)

 

Radiotherapy is not used routinely in colon cancer, as it could lead to radiation enteritis, and is difficult to target specific portions of the colon. It is more common for radiation to be used in rectal cancer, since the rectum does not move as much as the colon and is thus easier to target.

Important thing to point out is the fact that screening for colon cancer is a very important prevention factor. Although some think that this isn't something that can help- the facts tell differently! Proven fact is that some colon cancers develop from benign polyps and that’s why- it is reasonable to assume that, discovering these polyps early with several methods such as sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy may help prevent colon cancer, because they will be removed on time!  Not only that; some studies done recently have showed that if traces of colon cancer is found early, it is one of the most preventable and curable types of cancer.

Experts agree on one thing- it is proven fact that some simple dietary changes might be extremely helpful in lowering the risk of developing colon cancer. Some of the most common advices are:

·         Lower your intake of fat

·         Lower your intake of calories

·         Lower your meat and alcohol consumption

Not only that, it is also proven that a sedentary lifestyle combined with a diet high in saturated fats could contribute to colon cancer risk. What is the best prevention diet? Well, experts are saying that a diet that is low in fat and high in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes (beans, peas) may reduce the occurrence of some types of cancer, particularly colorectal cancer.

What should everyone know about fibers? Well, it is the fact that eating foods that contain an adequate amount of fibers (wheat bran or whole wheat) is the most important component of a healthy-lifestyle program, which could aid in prevention of colorectal cancer.  Experts are saying that daily intake for adults should be at least 25 grams total fiber. Why the fibers are so good for our organism? Well, the fact is that high-fiber foods help move waste through our digestive tract faster, so harmful substances don’t have much contact with the lining of the intestine. Not only that- it is also important fact that high-fiber foods are also rich in phytonutrients, which appear to protect against several forms of cancer.

 

Well, to prevent not only the colon cancer, but rather all other types of cancer and several other disease- an individual should make some lifestyle changes and these include: smoking cessation, use of aspirin, decreased alcohol use, exercise, and dietary supplements. This will reduce the morbidity from all possible disease and medical conditions and lead to a healthier life. Some practical advices are next:

·         Quit smoking

·         Maintain a healthy weight

·         Take aspirin

·         Get five servings of vegetables, fruits and whole grains a day for fiber, calcium and folic acid

·         Avoid alcohol

·         Limit red meat and saturated fat

·         Exercise five days a week for at least half an hour

Like we have already mentioned several times- these dietary and lifestyle changes have a beneficial effect against other cancers and noncancerous diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.