What role does nutrition play in colorectal cancer?

The extent of the connection between nutrition and the development of colon cancer is still unclear. However, some experts estimate that about one third of colorectal cancer cases could have been prevented by a different lifestyle and diet. The exact interaction between the individual diets and nutritional factors is difficult to study scientifically.

The role of dietary fibre is widely discussed among scientists. Many experts assume that dietary fibres have a protective and anti-cancer effect on the intestine. Fibre shortens the passage time of the food pulp through the gastrointestinal tract, which means that toxins have shorter contact with the intestinal mucosa.

Furthermore, dietary fibres lead to an early feeling of satiety and can thus contribute to maintaining a normal weight. It is also said that a low-meat diet also has a protective effect on the intestines. If you already have bowel cancer, it is also very important to pay attention to your diet. Chemo- and radiotherapy in particular rob the body of a lot of strength. It is therefore extremely important to ensure a sufficient energy supply in this phase.

Can colon cancer be inherited?

There are various syndromes that are inherited and are associated with an increased risk of colon cancer. These include the Lynch syndrome and the Gardner syndrome. Even if no syndrome or disease such as familial adenomatous polyposis is known, there may be a genetic predisposition to colorectal cancer.

It is believed that there is an increased risk of bowel cancer in a family if bowel cancer is known to occur in relatives before the age of 55. Familial adenomatous polyposis is a hereditary disease. In the context of this disease, a large number of polyps develop in the colon at an early age.

So many can form that the entire mucous membrane of the colon is lined with polyps. Because the number of polyps is so extremely high, people suffering from FAP have an almost 100% risk of colon cancer. Because the entire mucous membrane is covered with polyps, it is difficult to detect in a colonoscopy when a polyp develops into an adenoma and thus a precancerous stage.

For this reason, it is recommended that from a certain age the entire colon is removed to prevent colon cancer. The Gardner syndrome is a rare hereditary disease which is associated with a greatly increased risk of various types of cancer. In addition to the increased risk of soft tissue tumours and benign bone tumours, a large number of polyps form in the colon, as in familial adenomatous polyposis.

Over time, these polyps can develop into colon cancer. Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is also a rare hereditary disease. It is characterised by pigmentation on the skin and mucous membrane.

Furthermore, the Peutz-Jeghers syndrome also causes excessive polyp formation. However, the polyps do not only develop in the large intestine, but also in the entire gastrointestinal tract. The polyps increase the risk of cancer.

This topic might also be of interest to you: Pigment disorder – causes and treatment optionsThe Lynch syndrome is a hereditary disease that is associated with an increased risk of various cancers. About 5% of all intestinal cancers are caused by lynch syndrome. In contrast to the other syndromes, Lynch syndrome does not cause excessive polyp formation. Other tumours that frequently occur in Lynch syndrome are cervical cancer, small intestine cancer, stomach cancer and ovarian cancer. If syndromes are known in a family that are associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer, regular and extensive colorectal cancer screening is essential.