Scientists are increasingly uncovering the intricate relationship between dietary habits and cancer, with significant findings particularly in colorectal cancer and the impact of alcohol consumption on various cancers. This article delves into these critical areas, providing insights into prevention and risk reduction.
Understanding Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Statistically, approximately one in 26 women and one in 24 men will face this type of cancer, which affects the lower intestines, including the colon and rectum, during their lifetime.
Cancer occurs when cells divide uncontrollably. Each cell in the body contains genes that regulate cell division and can trigger self-destruction if necessary. Mutations in these genes can lead to unchecked cell growth. While some cancerous mutations are inherited, environmental factors, including diet, significantly contribute to cancer development.
The Role of Polyps in Colorectal Cancer
Cancerous tumors in the colon or rectum often originate from polyps. Although most polyps are benign, some can transform into cancer over time. If polyp cells begin to proliferate uncontrollably, they can invade the colon or rectum walls and potentially spread to other body parts through blood or lymphatic systems. In colorectal cancer, most mutations are acquired rather than inherited.
Prevention and Early Detection
Regular screening and polyp removal are crucial in reducing the risk of colon cancer. Individuals at average risk should begin screenings at age 45. Advances in treatment have contributed to a 21% reduction in colorectal cancer deaths, while 79% of the decrease is attributed to screening and early detection.
Dietary Influence on Colorectal Cancer Risk
Diet plays a pivotal role in colorectal cancer prevention. Research involving over half a million women indicates that dairy consumption is linked to a reduced risk of developing colorectal cancer. For optimal heart health and calorie management, fat-free or low-fat dairy options are recommended.
The American Cancer Society suggests that diets rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and low in red and processed meats, likely lower colorectal cancer risk. Although research findings vary, fiber intake may also contribute to risk reduction. A study found that individuals consuming more fiber and unsaturated fatty acids had a lower risk of colorectal cancer. The exact mechanism, whether due to specific nutrients or an overall healthier dietary pattern, remains under investigation.
Preliminary research indicates that gut bacteria may mediate the relationship between fiber intake and reduced colorectal cancer risk. When these microorganisms break down fiber, they produce byproducts that may help prevent tumor formation in the gut.
Alcohol and Cancer Risk
Alcohol ranks as the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the U.S., following tobacco use and obesity. Despite this, less than half of Americans are aware of the associated risks. Evidence strongly suggests that even moderate alcohol consumption increases cancer risk, prompting the U.S. Surgeon General to recommend cancer risk warnings on alcoholic beverage labels.
The Carcinogenic Nature of Alcohol
Alcohol is recognized as a carcinogen by leading international and U.S. organizations, including the International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization, American Institute for Cancer Research, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Institutes of Health’s National Cancer Institute.
Numerous high-quality observational studies and meta-analyses have established a significant link between alcohol consumption and increased cancer risk, including cancers of the mouth, throat, larynx, esophagus, breast (in women), liver, and colon. For certain cancers, such as breast, mouth, and throat cancer, risk may increase with as little as one drink per day. Higher consumption correlates with higher risk.
How Alcohol Contributes to Cancer
All alcoholic beverages contain ethanol, which the body metabolizes into acetaldehyde, a compound that can damage cellular DNA. This damage can lead to uncontrolled cell growth, a hallmark of cancer.
Alcohol also elevates oxidative stress, increasing inflammation and damaging DNA, proteins, and cells, all of which heighten cancer risk. Additionally, alcohol can slow estrogen breakdown, raising breast cancer risk. Carcinogens like tobacco smoke dissolve in alcohol, facilitating their absorption and increasing the risk of mouth and throat cancers.
Individual Risk Factors
An individual’s cancer risk, including alcohol-related cancers, results from a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Women, in particular, are more susceptible to alcohol’s harmful effects, including increased cancer risk, even at lower consumption levels.
Women have less of the enzyme that breaks down alcohol in their stomachs compared to men, resulting in higher alcohol absorption. Consequently, if a woman and man of the same weight consume the same amount of alcohol, the woman will have a higher blood alcohol concentration.
Men generally have larger body size, more muscle mass, greater blood volume, and less body fat than women, influencing how alcohol affects their bodies.
Recommendations for Alcohol Consumption
The 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans advise against starting to drink for any reason, as consuming less alcohol is healthier than more. For those who do drink, women should limit intake to one drink or less per day, and men to two drinks or less. Upcoming guidelines in 2026 may further reduce these limits.
Reducing or quitting alcohol consumption is linked to lower risks of mouth and esophageal cancer. Emerging evidence may reveal whether this applies to other cancer types and if quitting can reduce risk to levels comparable to those who have never consumed alcohol.
Alcohol-related cancers are preventable. When considering alcohol consumption, remember that ample evidence supports the health benefits of drinking less.
🔗 **Fuente:** https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-link-diet-cancer.html