A recent Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) Internal Medicine study found that eating a vegetarian diet was associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of U.S. cancer death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, medical experts do not agree on the role of diet in preventing colorectal cancer. However, they often recommend a diet low in animal fats and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to reduce the risk of other chronic diseases, such as coronary artery disease and diabetes. This diet also may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
"Whether or not a person totally adopts a vegetarian diet, eating more fruits and vegetables is good because you will consume more nutrients, fiber, and phytochemicals," said Baylor Scott & White Health wellness coordinator Stephanie Dean, RD, LD.
"I recommend that people just add fresh fruit to their breakfast cereal, or eat an apple or orange for a snack. Grains like quinoa, bulgur, or brown rice can be added as side dishes. If you're making meatloaf, use whole grain bread crumbs. Small changes can make a big difference," Dean adds.
The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases as people age. Physicians recommend people have a colorectal cancer screening every 10 years after reaching age 50, regardless of their dietary history.
If there is a family history of colorectal cancer or a medical history of developing polyps in the colon or rectum, physicians may recommend more frequent screenings or beginning the screenings before age 50. Other risk factors for colon cancer include:
- Smoking tobacco products
- Being excessively overweight
- Lacking physical exercise
- Eating a diet heavy in red meat
- Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol
- Having type 2 diabetes
- Screening should begin at age 45 in the African-American population due to earlier onset of disease.
"Colorectal cancer is a treatable cancer if found in the early stages," said James Fleshman, M.D., a colorectal surgeon on the medical staff and chief of surgery, Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas.
"Do not hesitate to get a colonoscopy screening beginning at age 50. You will be practicing good prevention," says Dr. Fleshman.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Susan Hall
susanh@baylorhealth.edu
(214) 820-1817
Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health's subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers, Baylor Health Care System, Scott & White Healthcare or Baylor Scott & White Health.
About Baylor Scott & White Health
As the largest not-for-profit health system in the state of Texas, Baylor Scott & White promotes the health and well-being of every individual, family and community it serves. It is committed to making quality care more accessible, convenient and affordable through its integrated delivery network, which includes the Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, the Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance and its leading digital health platform – MyBSWHealth. Through 51 hospitals and more than 1,200 access points, including flagship academic medical centers in Dallas, Fort Worth and Temple, the system offers the full continuum of care, from primary to award-winning specialty care. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing more than a century ago, Baylor Scott & White today serves more than three million Texans. For more information, visit: BSWHealth.com
