A recent study, presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference, highlights the role of processed foods in the development of colorectal cancer, but also protection through specific foods.
The scientists followed 1,625 patients with colorectal cancer that had metastasized to the peripheral lymph nodes, without having progressed to other areas of the body. Participants completed detailed food questionnaires on the frequency of consumption of 18 food groups: nine pro-inflammatory (such as red meat, processed meats, refined grains, and sugary drinks) and nine anti-inflammatory (such as coffee, tea, dark yellow vegetables, and leafy green vegetables). From these data, the researchers were able to correlate the eating habits of the patients with the probability of survival and the course of the disease.
The "guilty" diet that increases the risk
The results of the study show that eating processed foods, such as white bread, bacon and ham, ingredients that are often elements of a daily sandwich, significantly increases the risk of colon cancer. The researchers found that those who consumed such foods more often had an 87% higher risk of dying from colon cancer than those who ate a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods. This is because these foods cause inflammation in the body, which enhances the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Anti-inflammatory foods that offer protection
Conversely, the combined effect of diet and exercise was significant: patients with an anti-inflammatory diet and regular exercise had a 63% lower risk of death compared to those with a pro-inflammatory diet and less exercise. Yellow vegetables, such as sweet potatoes and carrots, wine and coffee help reduce inflammation and strengthen the body's protection. To the surprise of researchers, even tomato pizza, due to the lycopene it contains, has been classified as an anti-inflammatory food.
Frequent consumption of these foods, which are rich in antioxidants and natural anti-inflammatory substances, can significantly reduce the risk of developing and spreading colon cancer.
The experts' proposal Dr. Julie Gralow, president of ASCO, emphasized that "healthy eating and exercise should essentially be prescribed to cancer patients, as their combination can have positive effects." Research shows that a healthy diet combined with regular exercise not only helps prevent cancer, but can also help improve treatment.
For her part, Dr. Catherine Elliott from Cancer Research UK added that "this study adds interesting data on the role of inflammation in the progression of colorectal cancer, but more research is needed to better understand the nutritional effects on disease outcome."
These findings confirm what we all more or less know but often neglect: our diet plays a critical role in the prevention and progression of serious diseases, such as colon cancer. Particularly worrying is the fact that this form of cancer is affecting younger and younger people, making prevention even more imperative.
Adopting a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, combined with regular exercise, can prove to be our most valuable "weapon" against this insidious disease. So let's pay attention not only to the quantity, but also to the quality of the foods we choose, because this choice can make the difference between health and disease.
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