Bowel cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the world and its incidence has increased rapidly worldwide. But it is in your own hands to prevent it, you just have to take care of your diet.
This was revealed in two new medical research reports. Two research reports from Flanders University in Australia showed that people's dietary habits play an important role in increasing or decreasing the risk of cancers related to the digestive system, including the colon.
The study showed that people's poor dietary habits increase the risk of other types of colon or stomach cancer. In contrast, consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, legumes, pulses and milk or milk products provides protection against the risk of bowel cancer.
One in every four cases of cancer worldwide is in the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, small intestine, large intestine or other organs of the digestive system. One in three cancer deaths worldwide is also due to these types of cancer.
The researchers said they had discovered a direct link between poor dietary habits and digestive cancers. They added that they had found that eating a diet high in healthy fats and vegetables, while avoiding sugar and alcohol, could significantly reduce the risk of bowel and other cancers.
They said that eating a diet high in red and processed meat, fast food, refined grains, alcohol and sugary drinks increased the risk of developing digestive cancers. In contrast, eating fibre-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables helped to grow good bacteria in the gut, which reduced inflammation.
According to the researchers, digestive system cancers such as bowel cancer are spreading rapidly around the world, especially among people under the age of 50, so people should take steps to protect their digestive health.
The research findings support the recommendations of the World Cancer Research Fund, which state that a diet containing whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes should be consumed more, while the consumption of processed meat, sugary drinks and fast food should be minimized.
The researchers said that the results not only prove the importance of the Cancer Research Fund recommendations, but also show that dietary choices provide protection against deadly cancers. They said that the results are encouraging, but more research is needed in this regard to better understand the relationship between diet and digestive system cancers.
The results of one of these studies were published in the European Journal of Nutrition, while the results of the other study were published in the journal Nutrition Reviews.
Earlier, a study published in the journal Nature Reviews Microbiology in July 2024 found that high consumption of fast food increases the risk of colon cancer. This study examined six previous research reports. These research reports analyzed the bacteria present in the intestines and their effects on health.
During the study, the effects of fiber-based diets, plant-based diets, protein-rich diets, and Western diets were compared. The study revealed that each type of diet caused significant changes in the concentration of bacteria in the stomach and their functions.
According to the study, fast food is high in fat and sugar, which increases the risk of colon diseases and cancer. In contrast, consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of diseases such as heart disease, colon diseases, and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers said the results show that foods affect the bacteria in the stomach and that consuming healthy foods is essential for good health and protection from disease.
