Colon cancer is a type of cancer that affects the large intestine. It usually begins as small benign clumps of cells called polyps. If left untreated, these polyps eventually turn into cancer. Treatment for colon cancer includes targeted drug therapy, chemotherapy, radiation or surgery. There is a strong correlation between diet and colon cancer, according to MayoClinic.com, and following a healthy diet after your diagnosis may help prevent a recurrence of colon cancer.
Diet and Recurrence
Following a typical Western diet, a diet high in red meat, processed foods, fried foods and refined sugars and flours, may increase your risk of colon cancer recurrence. A 2007 prospective observational study published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" of 1,009 patients with stage 3 colon cancer investigated the relationship between colon cancer recurrence and diet. The investigators found that individuals who followed a more westernized diet had significantly higher rates of colon cancer recurrence and mortality than those following a prudent diet. A prudent diet is a diet high in fruits, vegetables, poultry and fish.
Increase Plant-Based Foods
If you want to maintain health and prevent a recurrence of colon cancer, make most of your diet choices plant-based, including more foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans. Plant-based foods are naturally low in fat and high in fiber and nutrients, such as antioxidants, that help your body fight cancer. Use your plate as a guide to help you increase your intake by making two-thirds of your plate plant-based foods.
Increase Fiber
Fiber, predominately found in plant-based foods, also helps lower your risk of cancer recurrence. Fiber keeps your digestive system healthy by helping move food through quickly, preventing cancer-causing compounds from sitting too long and harming your colon. You should aim for 20 to 37 g of fiber a day, depending on your age and gender.
Make Meat Your Side Dish
Meat does not contain fiber or other nutrients that offer protection against cancer, and its high saturated fat content may increase your risk of recurrence. To improve your health after colon cancer, make meat your side dish instead of the focus of your meal. In addition, limit your overall intake of red meat and choose leaner cuts, such as beef tenderloin or lean pork chops. Fish and poultry also make lean choices.
Include Healthy Fats
Reducing your intake of meat will help decrease your intake of the unhealthy saturated fats associated with cancer. You should also limit trans fats, found in baked goods, to further reduce your risk and improve your health. Instead, include healthier fats such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, like canola, olive and vegetable oils.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Colon Cancer; August 2009
- "Journal of the American Medical Association"; Association of Dietary Patterns with Cancer Recurrence and Survival in Patients with Stage III Colon Cancer; J. Meyerhardt, et al.; August 2007
- Helpguide.org; The Anti-Cancer Diet; Maya Paul; April 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Colorectal Cancer; Steven Ehrlich; December 2008
