Colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, notes the American Cancer Society. It can develop as a result of the gradual formation of polyps in your colon. Preliminary research sponsored by the National Cancer Institute suggests that medications taken for high cholesterol may prevent colon cancer and polyp growth in the intestinal walls.
About Colon Polyps
A polyp, small clumps of cells that abnormally divide, can form in the lining of your colon because of genetic mutations. The exact reason for colon polyp development is not fully understood but the majority of polyps start out as benign. You may not know polyps form in your colon because they do not generally cause symptoms. However, as they gradually grow you may experience rectal bleeding, digestive irregularity or persistent pain in your abdomen. People over the age of 50 or with a family history of colon complications are at risk for polyp formation. Diet, use of alcohol, smoking and being overweight also increase the risk of polyps. Treatment generally involves the removal of polyps to reduce the risk of malignant cell development.
Cholesterol Complications
Cholesterol, a waxy fatlike substance naturally produced by your body or added to your body from the consumption of fatty foods, resides in all of your cells. The cholesterol your body produces is used readily to make hormones and help you digest foods. The added cholesterol from food accumulates in your bloodstream and can result in plaque blocking the blood flow through your vessels. A healthy colon plays a role in eliminating the excess cholesterol from fatty foods during the digestive process. However, if your colon is not expelling waste properly due to polyps, a low fiber diet, or related colon disease, then cholesterol accumulation increases. High blood cholesterol increases your risk of heart disease.
Colon Polyps and Cholesterol
A multicenter clinical trial sponsored by the National Cancer Institute aims to evidence the relationship between cholesterol lowering medications and reducing colon polyp formation. Hospitals around the United States participating in the study are conducting a five year trial with a two year follow up of patients with high risk indicators of colon cancer. The premise behind the start of this study comes from laboratory researchers finding a link between a common cholesterol medication group called statins that inadvertently reduced the colon polyps found in patients taking the medication. A protein identified in the formation of cancerous colon cells is reduced by the statin medications and ongoing research aims to discover its exact use long term.
Health Tips
Minimize your risk of colon complications and high cholesterol with a well-balanced diet that is low in saturated fats and high in fiber. Fresh fruits, vegetables and grains contain fiber and nutrients essential for digestive regularity but also help reduce your risk of cholesterol accumulation in your blood vessels. Replace fatty foods like red meat, fried and processed foods with lean meats like poultry, fish and low fat dairy. Participate in annual health exams as you age to detect early polyp formation and test your cholesterol levels.
References
- June E. Nylen Cancer Center; Cholesterol Drug May Prevent Colon Cancer
- Health Journey; Colon and Digestive Health; Janis M. Betz, RN, BSN
- MayoClinic.com; Colon Polyps; Mayo Clinic Staff; July 24, 2009
- Colorado State University: Dietary Fiber; J. Anderson et al; December 2010
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: High Blood Cholesterol
- American Cancer Society; Colorectal Cancer Facts and Figures; Risk Factors
