World Colon Cancer Day

Aurora, a reader and member of eldiario.es, has the following request:“My brother, who is 67 years old, was recently diagnosed with colon cancer and my father and mother also went through it, specifically my father died. The doctor who treats my brother told me that it is most likely genetic and I have to be very careful with my diet because I have a very high risk. So the question is: What should I not eat to prevent colon cancer?

Indeed, colon and rectal cancer – the last cancer of the digestive tract and commonly known as colorectal cancer – is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. In Spain, according to a document from the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology, This tumor modality also ranks first in terms of the appearance of new tumorsWith 45,000 detections by 2019, however, its incidence in population mortality exceeds that of lung cancer.

Part of this success is explained by the reduction in mortality from colon and rectal cancer Strong mass early detection campaigns Which are performed both to detect blood in the stool in adults and to raise awareness of the importance of colonoscopies, allowing the detection of polyps, which are often precursors to this type of tumor.

However, the above document highlights that the increase in detection may show, in addition to good strategies, The real increase in cases is due to the growing abandonment of the Mediterranean diet And a bad diet option.

In cases such as those reported by Aurora in which the genetic component is very strong, it is essential to avoid certain foods for which there is evidence that they may increase the risk. For the rest of the population, Moderation in their consumption should be the norm. Below are ten daily foods that are definitely included in your diet and increase your risk of colorectal cancer.

1. Sausages

There are two factors that increase the risk in sausages. On the one hand, there is heme iron from myoglobin, which can affect other compounds that form free radicals that can attack cellular DNA, as we explain, why is white meat healthier than red meat? Clearly, many sausages made from red meat are rich in myoglobin and therefore, according to WHO recommendations, are likely to be carcinogenic.

To this factor must be added the presence of nitrosamines in sausages, compounds that are added to maintain stability and color, which in small quantities are not dangerous but can accumulate in cells with constant consumption, which increases the risk of mutations leading to colorectal cancer. A 2007 study by the Central University Hospital of Asturias in Oviedo listed these compounds as One of the main culprits in the incidence of this cancer.

2. Red meat

This applies to any muscular meat of mammals as well as its internal organs. WHO also classifies them as likely carcinogens due to the presence of myoglobin. Is included 4 compounds of red meat, which is advisable to limit their consumption At the time, we offered a wide range of studies linking the consumption of these foods to an increased incidence of colorectal cancer.

3. Smoked meat

Whatever they are Red or white meat as well as fishIn the process of smoking meat, nitrogen compounds are released, which are released during transport contamination (dioxins and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) or as a result of camp fires, which can create free radicals that alter cellular DNA.

According to Dr. Carlos Tour Garcia, Family and Community Medicine Specialist and Coordinator of the Primary Care Program for Colon and Rectal Cancer Prevention, Ministry of Health and Social Policy, Region of Murcia Smoked meat should be considered with an estimated frequency At increased risk of colorectal cancer.

4. Toasted bread

We mean very powdered bread that we put in a toaster and knead. It contains a dark layer The so-called acrylamidesCompounds obtained from the oxidation of sugar are highly reactive when it comes to the risk of developing colorectal cancer, by the way.

Acrylamides are also found in meat and other foods that burn poorly when cooked at high temperatures. In the article How to Avoid Acrylamide and Other Carcinogenic Compounds in Our Diet, we explain what precautions to take.

5. Roasted

The problem with this cooking technique is the formation of fatty polymers due to the heat in the oil, which leaves free radicals, as well as the appearance of acrylamides due to the oxidation of sugar in the presence of the amino acid asparagine. It is therefore not recommended to use the fried oil more than once, as well as to burn it at too high a temperature. On the other hand, the most suitable oil for burning is olive oil. If possible, also considering its caloric capacity, it is best to avoid fried and fried foods in the diet.

6. Jams and honey

An extensive review of studies conducted by various universities in the United Kingdom in 2012 clearly showed that Association between high glycemic indexes and increased risk of colorectal cancer. However, it is clear that this is a multifactorial process where the excess amount of glucose itself, the main food of cancer cells, its fermentation, propensity to obesity, and sedentary profile of the propensity for abuse affect sugar.

The fact is that the jams are mostly sugar, and honey is nothing more than sugar diluted in water, as I will tell you. Is honey a healthier alternative than white sugar? Consequently, they significantly increase the risk of colorectal cancer.

7. Sweets, cakes and soft drinks

We are in the same context as in the previous section: these are products with supersaturated free sugar and therefore Increase glycemic indexThus affecting the increased risk of colorectal cancer. No increased risk has been identified with the use of natural or artificial sweeteners, so they are an alternative.

8. White and sliced ​​bread

The only bread that is healthy and does not increase the glycemic index is whole wheat bread; White and especially mold increases the risk of cancer because it is a source of free sugar.

9. Ice cream

Mantecado ice cream is rich in sugar and therefore They are really crazy.

10. Alcoholic beverages

According to the United States National Cancer Institute, however, its incidence is about colorectal cancer This is not as much as in the case of processed meatAlcohol can also be considered an obvious risk factor for this type of tumor.

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