Medical recommendations for the prevention of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. In 2020, 104,610 new cases of colon cancer were diagnosed and 43,340 cases of rectal cancer were diagnosed in the United States. United States, and 53,200 people have died. of colorectal cancer in 2020, including 3,640 men and women under the age of 50. Colorectal cancer is common in adults over 60, but in recent years cases have been on the rise in adults under 50, which recently called on specialist medical organizations and societies to call for help. reduce the age of early detection. detection of colon and rectal cancer from 50 to 45 years old.
It is currently estimated that 55% of colorectal cancer cases are preventable due to lifestyle factors including eating too much red and processed meat, not eating enough foods containing fiber or whole grains, being overweight or obese, or not getting enough physical activity, or drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco.
Research shows that following the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) cancer prevention guidelines, which include tips for eating healthy, living an active lifestyle, and maintaining a healthy weight, can dramatically lower your risk of developing cancer. .
The American Institute for Cancer Research, AICR, launched the “Sit Less, Move More” initiative on its website on July 12, 2021 based on the results of a number of specialist studies supported by the World Fund for Research Cancer (WCRF) to maintain the quality of life of cancer survivors. Here, we’ll review the two most recent studies that have shown that reducing sedentary behavior and increasing physical activity have a significantly positive impact on the lives of these colorectal cancer survivors.
scientific studies
The first study, published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, followed nearly 400 colorectal cancer survivors for two years after diagnosis to assess the impact of “lazy” behavior and “moderate to moderate” physical activity. vigorous ”on health-related quality of life. and weariness. The results showed that the combination of a less sedentary lifestyle and greater physical activity improved health-related quality of life and reduced fatigue levels in this group of patients.
Importantly, the results of the study also showed that decreasing prolonged sedentary behavior has a positive effect even without increasing levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity. This finding may be particularly relevant for survivors who are unable to perform high intensity (moderate to vigorous) activities, such as brisk walking or running, due to advanced age and / or other co-morbidities. For these survivors, the shift from a sedentary pattern to activities such as light housework or light walking may be particularly effective and a suitable target for potential future lifestyle modification interventions. What’s more, the study found that the combination of sitting less and moving more was particularly powerful in improving the daily functioning of survivors after cancer treatment.
The second study, funded by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and led by Professor Matty Weijenberg and published in Scientific Reports, explained the biological mechanisms of the results of the first study finding higher levels of anti-inflammatory molecules in the body. blood from the colon and rectum. cancer survivors who They have higher levels of physical activity (medium to vigorous). This could explain the health benefits of physical activity in colorectal cancer survivors and support its future integration into post-treatment care in this patient population.
Dr Nigel Brockton, vice president of research at the American Cancer Research Institute, said physical activity as part of daily life is one of the AICR’s 10 recommendations for prevention cancer. This second research adds to updated evidence that integrating physical activity into daily life and reducing time spent sitting can actually improve quality of life after diagnosis. These are small, realistic changes that people can focus on to move more and sit less to dramatically improve their quality of life and reduce fatigue after being diagnosed with a terminal illness like cancer.
In the same study, Dr Martin Bowers of Maastricht University commented on these findings that we live in an age that represents a revolution in colorectal cancer research, as we see an increasing number of people surviving. disease. But at the same time, it is common to see long-term health issues related to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, for example, fatigue and nerve damage after chemotherapy, which can negatively impact daily functioning and life quality. وأضاف أننا نحتاج إلى إجراء المزيد من الدراسات الاستقصائية لتأكيد هذه النتائج, مؤكدا على أن هذا البحث الأخير يشير إلى أنه من خلال النشاط البدني وتقليل مقدار الوقت المستغرق في الجلوس, قد نتمكن من تقليل تأثير هذه المشاكل الصحية طويلة الأمد وتحسين الأداء اليومي ونوعية حياة الناجين من cancer disease.
Reduce the risk of cancer
The AICR Cancer Screening Tool and Cancer Prevention Guidelines help people understand changes they can make to reduce their risk of cancer. Based on the latest scientific research, these recommendations are practical and easy to understand.
For tools to determine your exposure or protect you from cancer, reports say that 1 in 6 deaths each year worldwide is due to cancer. Will you do all you can to protect yourself from cancer? The choices we make every day can help us lower our risk for cancer. Including the new Cancer Health Check released by the American Cancer Research Institute, it will also help learn more about the options and how they can be applied, as follows:
– Know the composition of the body in terms of height, weight and physical activity each week.
How many vegetables do you eat (number of cups) each day? Examples: green leafy vegetables, broccoli, beans, sweet peppers, carrots (fresh, frozen or canned). Is it fruit? Examples: apples, pears, bananas, berries, oranges / citrus fruits (fresh, frozen or canned).
How often do you eat whole grains: daily or weekly? Examples: whole wheat bread, quinoa, brown rice, whole oats, cornflakes, whole wheat cereals, whole wheat crackers.
How many servings of red meat (beef and lamb) do you eat each week? How often do you eat salted or processed meat (sausage, bacon, hot dogs, salami, canned meat)?
How often do you eat products containing sugar and fat each week? Processed foods such as (cakes, pastries, candies, fried fast foods, fries and chips), sugary drinks (such as non-diet drinks, sports drinks, sugary coffee / tea drinks).
How many alcoholic drinks do you drink each week? Such as coolers of beer, wine, liquor and liquor.
Lifestyle: Do you smoke? How often do you expose yourself to the sun?
10 cancer prevention tips

> The American Institute for Cancer Research AICR and the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) analyzed scientific evidence from around the world and translated the results into “10” practical and easy-to-follow cancer prevention recommendations aimed at reducing risk cancer by helping people maintain a healthy body weight and their healthy eating, drinking and physical activity patterns throughout their lives. Recommendations include:
Maintain a healthy weight: Keep your weight in a healthy range and avoid gaining weight in adulthood. The evidence linking obesity to cancer is overwhelming and has only grown stronger over the past decade.
Be physically active: regularly as part of daily life. Walking longer and sitting less is a great way to lower your risk of cancer. The more active you are, the greater the benefit.
Eat a healthy diet: It is rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and beans. Make whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes (legumes) like beans and lentils an important part of your regular diet. A healthy diet and alcohol consumption are associated with a lower risk of cancer. Independent studies show that the more closely you follow medical recommendations, the lower your risk of cancer.
Limit the consumption of fast foods: and other processed foods high in fat, starches or sugars. Cutting back on these products helps control the amount of calories you eat and makes it easier to maintain a healthy weight. There is strong evidence that diets containing higher amounts of “fast food” and other processed foods high in fat, starch or sugars are a cause of weight gain and obesity. Excess body fat is the cause of (12) cancers.
Limit consumption of red and processed meat: Don’t eat more moderate amounts (12 to 18 ounces – 370 to 560 grams – per week) of red meat, such as beef and lamb. Eat less processed meat, if you like. There is strong evidence that eating red or processed meat are two causes of colorectal cancer.
Reduce consumption of sugary drinks: Drink mainly water and unsweetened drinks. There is strong evidence that regular consumption of sugary drinks is a cause of weight gain, obesity, and fat accumulation. Excess body fat is the cause of at least 12 cancers.
Don’t Drink Alcohol: Not only to limit it, there is strong evidence that alcohol causes six types of cancer, and even a small cup of alcohol a day may increase the risk of some types of cancer.
Don’t use supplements to prevent cancer: Meet your nutritional needs only through healthy eating.
For Mothers, Breastfeed Your Baby: It is good for both mother and baby with many health and psychological benefits, including the ability to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.
After being diagnosed with cancer: Follow medical recommendations as much as possible and continue to follow up with your doctor to find out what is right for you.

The answers to these questions will determine the extent of your preparation to prevent cancer risk.

* Consultant in community medicine