Risk Factors and Preventive Measures in Colon Carcinogenesis

Abstract: Evidence from epidemiological studies indicates that nutrition is one of the major environmental factors involved in the multifactorial process of carcinogenesis. The linkage between nutritional risk factors and disease is well explained for colon cancer. A high intake of total calories, total fat, meat, and protein is regarded as the major risk factor, whereas dietary fibers are protective. On the one hand, dietary fibers decrease the luminal concentrations of toxic compounds by binding carcinogens and co-carcinogens such as bile acids. On the other hand, a direct antineoplastic effect has been reported for the short-chain fatty acid n-butyrate, which is a fermentation product of fibers. Besides, omega-3 fatty acid-containing fish oils, calcium, various antioxidant vitamins, and selenium seem to play an additional role in colon cancer prevention. Thus, a diet low in fat but high in fibers, certain trace elements, minerals, and vitamins should be recommended for the prevention of colon cancer.

Keyword(s): Kolonkarzinogenese

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