Re: Genetics and Colon cancer

[Guest guest]

The most important fact in considering colon cancer is

genetics. There is no question that family history is

the single most important factor no matter what you

eat or do.

Genetics predisposes an individual to an increased

risk of colon cancer. The most effective way to

prevent colon cancer is cancer screening with

colonoscopy. At present this is the most effective

method finding colon polyps. In the future there may

be more effective and easier methods (genetic

screening, effective blood markers etc) but for the

present colonoscopy at age 50 or sooner for high risk

individuals is the way to go.

As for diet, it is very difficult to pinpoint a single

beneficial diet or a single culprit in the various

food groups.

Diet studies are notoriously inaccurate since they

depend on self reporting and don't necessarily take

into account changes in diet over a lifetime. The

main problem with dietary studies is that no one

person or no group of individuals eats just one item

their entire life.

When it comes to red meat, if you read the studies in

detail, they distinguish between processed meat and

unprocessed meat. Individuals who eat high quantities

of processed meat appear to be at higher risk than

individuals who eat the same amount of unprocessed red

meat.

Some studies have implicated the method of cooking of

red meat as a possible link in both colon cancer as

well as stomach cancer. Grilled, broiled and fried

methods of cooking seem to increase the risk.

The Japanese have a high incidence of stomach cancer

and this has been associated with smoked fish.

Some studies have implied that fish is protective when

it comes to intestinal cancer (unless of course it is

smoked).

Some studies have implied that individuals who eat

more fruits and vegetables tend to eat a lower fat

diet and less red meat.

Is the fiber in fruits and vegetables or is the myriad

of phytochemicals found the produce that may be

beneficial.

Some have implicated high fat diet as a determinant in

many cancers.

In preparing my original post I researched dozens of

articles on diet exercise and colon cancer.

My conclusion is that we should eat a balanced diet

with plenty of fish, poultry, lean red meat (not over

cooked or burnt) an abundance of fruit and vegetables,

drink alcohol moderately, don't smoke, exercise

regularly and try to maintain a normal weight.

But above all chose your parents wisely and have your

colonoscopy done at age 50 (or sooner if you are at

high risk).

Ralph Giarnella MD

Southington Ct USA