Flaxseed, the small seed of flax -- a slender, annual herb of the Linaceae family -- may be effective in both colon cancer treatment and prevention. So far, the anti-cancer properties of flaxseed have been demonstrated in preclinical animal studies; they also show promise for humans with colon cancer. If you have colon cancer, consult your doctor before using flaxseed or any supplements.
Antioxidant Property
While not all studies agree, epidemiologic evidence indicates that people who eat diets high in lignan-containing foods, such as flaxseed, have a lower incidence of colon cancer, according to the New York Langone Medical Center. Flaxseed acts as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory agent and anti-cancer agent. Further evidence suggests that flaxseed lignans, enterolactone and enterodiol, significantly inhibit the growth, but not the invasion, of colon cancer cells. Although these preliminary findings are encouraging, more research is needed to determine the precise role of flaxseed in the prevention or treatment of colon cancer.
Dietary Fiber
Dietary fiber found in flaxseed may help reduce the risk of colon cancer, according to Kathie Richardson, a flaxseed researcher at North Dakota State University. Flaxseed dietary fiber speeds up the transit of foods through the small intestine, which means your body has less exposure to toxic substances and carcinogens produced during digestion. If you have irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation or a family history of colon cancer, consider a diet high in dietary fiber, although you should discuss it with your doctor before making changes.
Abnormal Colon Cells
Laboratory studies reviewed by the University of Maryland Medical Center show that flaxseed lignans help keep colon cancer cells from growing or help prevent cell damage that can lead to cancer. Lignans slow the growth of abnormal colon cells -- an early marker of colon cancer -- and block tumors from continuing to grow. Flaxseed seems effective in treating colon cancer, but more research is needed to support this conclusion.
Antiproliferatory Activity
Flaxseed supplementation can reduce the size and aggressiveness of colon cancer tumors, according to the University of North Texas website dining services page. It would seem that lignans, phytoestrogens found in flaxseed, are primarily responsible for the anti-tumor effects of flaxseed. Lignans work against certain hormones produced in your body, which in some cases can stimulate colon cancer to grow.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Flaxseed; Steven D. Ehrlich; Oct. 11, 2008
- New York University of Langone Medical Center: Flaxseed
- North Dakota State University: Flax as a Fiber Source; Kathie Richardson; 2007
- University of North-Texas; Dining Services: Phytonutrients: Reducing Cancer Risk
- "Carcinogenesis": The Influence of Flaxseed and Lignans on Colon Carcinogenesis and Beta-glucuronidase Activity; M. Jenab, et al.; June 1996
