Western Diet a Chief Culprit

updated 11/16/2006

NewsRx.com

Women who fill their diets with red or processed meats, french fries, white bread, and sugary desserts may have an increased risk of colon cancer, according to a new study.

Researchers followed more than 76,000 women for 12 years to determine how their dietary patterns affect the risk for colon and rectal cancers. They identified two main patterns: the "prudent" diet consisting primarily of fruit, vegetables, fish, and whole grains and the "Western" diet consisting mainly of red meat, fried foods, refined grains, and desserts. The results revealed a significant association between the Western diet and the risk of colon cancer.

Findings were published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

The "Western diet" has been linked to an increased risk of colon cancer for several reasons. According to Teresa Fung, ScD, RD, LDN, lead researcher and assistant professor at the department of nutrition at Simmons College, in Boston, "Red meats are cooked in high heat and may generate nitrosamines, which may be carcinogenic. Many processed meats are preserved with nitrites, and may also be converted to nitrosamine in the gut." In other words, the processes of cooking or preserving meat may produce cancer-causing chemicals.

In addition, consuming white bread rather than whole-wheat may make a difference. Fung explained, "Refined grains may increase insulin levels. Insulin, being a mitogen, may promote the carcinogenic process if transformed cells already exist." More simply, the consumption of refined grains like pasta or white bread can raise insulin levels in the body. Insulin can cause cell division and potentially turn precancerous cells into cancerous ones.

While other studies have suggested an association between dietary habits and colorectal cancer, none have the scientific validity of this current study. "This is the first, large prospective study to look at dietary patterns and colon cancer," explained Walter Willett, MD, DrPH, one of the key researchers and professor of epidemiology and nutrition and chair, department of nutrition, at the Harvard School of Public Health. According to Willet, because the study was "prospective and large, the findings are more credible than the findings of prior studies."

The findings of this study underscore the importance of dietary habits, along with regular screening, in the prevention of cancer. According to Willett, patients can also reduce the risk of colon cancer by staying lean and exercising regularly, avoiding cigarette smoking and high alcohol consumption (greater than two drinks per day). Willett also pointed out that "there is quite strong evidence that a RDA multiple vitamin will reduce the risk, probably by ensuring adequate intake of folic acid." This article was prepared by Cancer Weekly editors from staff and other reports.

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