Colorectal cancer appears in the lower part of the intestines and is the fourth-most frequently diagnosed cancer in adult Americans. Colorectal cancer often begins as benign growths called polyps that later become cancerous. Nutrition is important both in preventing colorectal cancer and helping patients with colorectal cancer do well during treatment and experience a quick recovery. Consult a doctor to discuss a dietary plan that is appropriate for you.
Dietary Risk Factors
Although some colorectal cancers appear without a known cause, several risk factors have been identified, including being over 50, having a family history of the disease, smoking, being overweight, using alcohol heavily and consuming a diet high in fats. To lower the risk of colorectal cancer, follow a healthy, low-fat diet plan. Choose reduced-fat dairy products over full-fat varieties, replace marbled meat such as steak, hamburger and sausage with skinless poultry and fish. Consume alcohol in moderation and substitute soft drinks or mineral water for alcoholic beverages whenever possible.
Fiber-Rich Foods
The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center indicates that eating high-fiber foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables might lower the risk of colorectal cancer. It recommends consuming at least five servings of fruit and vegetables daily and suggests choosing fresh varieties whenever possible. Good, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables include apples, bananas, citrus fruits, berries, legumes, carrots, spinach and members of the cabbage family.
High Glycemic-Index Carbohydrates
Carbohydrate-rich foods with a high glycemic index cause a rapid rise in blood glucose, and consuming these types of carbohydrates might elevate the risk of colorectal cancer for some people, according to a paper by Dr. D. Michaud et al published in 2005 in "Cancer, Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention." Avoid high-glycemic index foods such as white bread, white rice, baked goods with high sugar content and sweetened cereals and desserts. Instead, choose whole-grain breads and baked goods, bran cereals and healthy, low-sugar desserts.
Managing Side Effects With Diet
If you have colorectal cancer, diet might play a very important role in managing your response to treatment. The Colorectal Cancer Coalition emphasizes that consuming a proper diet will be very helpful in minimizing side effects of standard treatments. To prevent nausea, eat frequent small meals and avoid fatty and spicy foods. To prevent or minimize diarrhea, avoid dairy products and consume bananas, rice, applesauce or pasta. Drink lots of liquid, eight to 10 glasses daily, and avoid beverages that contain caffeine or are carbonized.
References
- Pubmed: "Dietary Glycemic Load, Carbohydrate, Sugar, and Colorectal Cancer Risk in Men and Women", by Michaud, D. et al, "Cancer, Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention:, 2005.
- Medline Plus: Colorectal Cancer
- National Cancer Institute: What You Need to Know About Cancer of the Colon and Rectum
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Colon Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer Coalition: Managing Side Effects
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Risk Reduction
