An inflammatory diet correlates with the risk of colorectal cancer

Researchers from the Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapy in Oncology (Oncobell) program at the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) and the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO) have published, among others, the publication in nutrients the results of a multicenter study that reveals a correlation between inflammatory diets and antioxidants and the risk of developing colorectal and breast cancer. Dr. Mireia Obón-Santacana of IDIBELL-ICO is the first author of a research led by Dr. Pilar Amiano, Senior Researcher at IIS Biodonostia and Dr. Víctor Moreno, Head of the Colorectal Cancer Research Group at IDIBELL-ICO. Part of the study was made possible thanks to funding provided by the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC).

"We observed an association between the risk of developing colorectal cancer and the inflammatory potential of the diet, that is, participants who were on an inflammatory diet were almost twice as likely to develop colorectal cancer, which is the fourth cancer in the world. more common in the world, "says Dr. Mireia Obón. "On the other hand, we have not seen any significant increase in the risk of breast cancer.That 's why we need to conduct further studies to check our own". there is a real correlation with other factors, "she adds.

An inflammatory diet is usually characterized by the consumption of refined carbohydrates, red and processed meat, as well as saturated or trans fats. In an antioxidant diet, the consumption of vegetables, legumes, fruits and nuts predominates. "In this study, we focused on the role of the diet, and in particular on its inflammatory and antioxidant capacity, as there is evidence that chronic inflammation and oxidative stress influence the development of both types of cancer. ", says Dr. Víctor Moreno.

"Following a pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidant diet is a very important risk factor for colon cancer.The positive aspect is that it is an modifiable factor that can so be modified, "says Dr. Mireia Obón. "Therefore, in order to prevent such cancers, it is very important to follow the recommendations of official agencies and international agencies.We must redirect our eating habits towards a Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, nuts, whole grains and oils. healthy, like olive oil and the abandonment of a more pro-inflammatory diet, "she says.

The IDIBELL-ICO researcher suggests "to implement educational strategies created by nutrition and health professionals, so that the general population can follow dietary recommendations and change their habits" .

In this new study, scientists specifically analyzed the Spanish population by means of the Dietary Inflammation Index (DII) and non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity (NEAC), two useful and validated tools for estimating the inflammatory and antioxidant potential of the diet. To carry out this study, 1852 cases of colorectal cancer and 1567 cases of breast cancer were included, as well as 3447 and 1487 control cases, respectively. The study is based on data from 12 Spanish provinces.