Processed snack foods increase colon cancer risk, especially in genetically susceptible individuals

Tuesday, January 08, 2013 by: John Phillip
Tags: snack foods, colon cancer, genetics

(NaturalNews) Colon cancer continues to be a leading cause of cancer deaths, as the number of newly diagnosed cases continue to grow concurrent with the rate of overweight, obesity and processed food consumption. This may come as no surprise to natural health followers who understand that fried and hydrogenated foods alter cell structure and metabolism and refined carbohydrates and sugars boost insulin and blood glucose levels as they provide fuel for cancer cell growth and propagation.

Dutch researchers have published the results of their work in the journal, Cancer that explains how eating unhealthy snack foods may increase the risk of colorectal cancer in people with a genetic susceptibility to certain types of cancer. Although this study focused on patients with a condition known as Lynch syndrome, an inherited syndrome caused by mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes and characterized by development of colorectal cancer, and other cancers at an early age, the results are relevant to all individuals that consume a diet of processed snack foods.

High snack food diets can double the risk of developing colorectal cancer

Past studies have shown that excess alcohol consumption and red and processed meats can increase the risk of cancer in people, especially those diagnosed with Lynch syndrome. Smoking and obesity have been identified as other possible risk factors. To prepare the study, scientists developed a cohort of 486 people with Lynch syndrome. The participants in this study provided information about their eating habits and were followed for an average of 20 months. Diets were evaluated based on a questionnaire including 183 food items and then plotted on a multi-point scale rated as 'prudent' or 'snack-based.'

Over the course of the study, 58 participants developed precancerous colorectal polyps. Lead study author Dr. Akke Botma commented "We saw that Lynch syndrome patients who had an eating pattern with higher intakes of snack foods, like fast-food snacks, chips or fried snacks, were twice as likely to develop these polyps as Lynch syndrome patients having a pattern with lower intakes of snack foods." Those whose diet was considered 'prudent,' featuring a high percentage of fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and fish, tended to have modest, though non-significant, decrease in risk.

Dr. Botma concluded "Although more research is needed to estimate the exact influence of dietary patterns on colorectal carcinogenesis, modifiable factors, such as diet, could influence development of colorectal neoplasms." Colon cancer is a disease borne largely from eating a diet of synthesized and processed foods created in a manufacturing facility. Eliminating or drastically limiting convenience fare in favor of foods in their natural form can provide a significant shield against colorectal cancer and most chronic illnesses.

Sources for this article include:

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cncr.27726/abstract
http://health.usnews.com
http://www.medpagetoday.com/HematologyOncology/ColonCancer/36484

About the author:
John Phillip is a Certified Nutritional Consultant and Health Researcher and Author who writes regularly on the cutting edge use of diet, lifestyle modifications and targeted supplementation to enhance and improve the quality and length of life. John is the author of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan', a comprehensive EBook explaining how to use Diet, Exercise, Mind and Targeted Supplementation to achieve your weight loss goal. Visit My Optimal Health Resource to continue reading the latest health news updates, and to download your copy of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan'.