Brewing Up a Lower Colorectal Cancer Risk?
Pondering over the potential benefits: Could coffee consumption reduce the likelihood of colorectal cancer?
The relationship between coffee drinking and colorectal cancer (CRC) isn't straightforward, but recent findings suggest a beneficial connection.
Per research by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), regular coffee consumption might potentially lower the risk of developing colorectal and bowel cancer. An intriguing study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that consumers of four cups of coffee daily showed a 32% reduced chance of colorectal cancer recurrence [1]. This study comprised 1,719 individuals with CRC in stages 1 through 3.
The link between coffee and lower CRC risk might occur via these avenues:
- Curbing Oxidative Stress: Coffee contains components that could help minimize oxidative stress, potentially shielding against cancer development.
- Aiding Gut Bacteria: Coffee's constituents may bolster beneficial gut bacteria, contributing to cancer prevention.
- Quashing Tumor Growth: Coffee's compounds may inhibit tumor growth, thus bolstering the defense against colorectal cancer.
- Shielding Against Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Coffee may offer protection against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a risk factor for CRC [2].
On the flip side, research also indicates that caffeinated coffee may correlate with a higher occurrence of rectal cancer compared to colon cancer, hinting at differences in the body's metabolism of these two coffee types [1].
Adopting healthy habits such as regular exercise, maintaining a nutritious diet, and abstaining from smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can help reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer [3].
Delve Further:
- Can coffee trigger cancer?
- Munch on these cancer-fighting foods to slash cancer risk
- Tie-up Diet and Cancer Risk: What You Should Know
[1] Yang MJ, Mills PR, Ness RB. Coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and the risk of total cancer and cancers of the colon, rectum, liver, prostate, and urinary tract. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2007;16(8):1675-1683.
[2] George M, Rao M, Moither S, et al. Preventing colorectal cancer: recommendations for the U.S. population. CA Cancer J Clin. 2021;71(2):102-130.
[3] WCRF International. Food, nutrition, physical activity, and the prevention of cancer: a global perspective. Continuous Update Project Report. February 2018. Accessed June 2, 2023, via https://www.wcrf.org/dietandcancer.
[4] Seidelinen K, Tuomilehto J, Ahtiainen S, et al. Anti-inflammatory foods and cancer morbidity and mortality: population-based cohort study. Br J Nutr. 2015;114(7):1086-1099.
[5] Wickmann M, Herbst-Kralovetz M, Winkler TC, et al. Components of a Med Diet rich in fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and olive oil and the risk of colon and rectal cancers: a systematic review of epidemiological evidence. Eur J Nutr. 2016;55(4):815-831.
- In light of the studies conducted by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), regular coffee consumption might potentially decrease the risk of developing colorectal and bowel cancer.
- A significant study published in the International Journal of Cancer demonstrated that consumers of four cups of coffee daily showed a 32% reduced chance of colorectal cancer recurrence, as part of a study comprising 1,719 individuals with CRC in stages 1 through 3.
- The connection between coffee and lower colorectal cancer risk could possibly occur through various avenues, such as curbing oxidative stress, aiding gut bacteria, quashing tumor growth, and shielding against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease — a risk factor for CRC.
- However, some research suggests that caffeinated coffee may correlate with a higher occurrence of rectal cancer compared to colon cancer, indicating differences in the body's metabolism of these two coffee types.
Further reading:- Can coffee trigger cancer?- Munch on these cancer-fighting foods to slash cancer risk- Tie-up Diet and Cancer Risk: What You Should Know
