Unhealthy Eating Habits Linked with Colon Cancer

Colon cancer has been named the third most common form of cancer in the United States, and it is responsible for a large proportion of cancer related deaths. There are several causes of colon, or colorectal cancer, and some of them include heredity, diabetes, smoking, alcohol consumption, exposure to certain chemicals, irritable bowel infections and diet. The key to the right management of colon cancer lies in early detection before metastasis occurs. However, preventative measures are even better, and the elimination of certain unhealthy eating habits linked with colon cancer goes a long way in achieving this.

Unhealthy Eating Habits Linked with Colon Cancer

The glandular lining of the colon serves as a fertile breeding ground for the development of polyps, the precursors of colon tumors. Several types of polyps do develop with no adverse effects but the adenomatous polyps are the ones that develop into tumors. Naturally, the colon’s function in the body is the elimination of waste products of digestion and diet plays a key role in this. High fiber foods are required for the proper contraction of the colon which leads to the removal of wastes. Unhealthy eating habits linked with colon cancer result in malfunctioning of the colon and when this occurs several disorders including colon cancer can arise.

Lack of fruits and vegetables in the diet

The importance of daily consumption of fruits and vegetables in the maintenance of the right health status cannot be overemphasized. Fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber content and they go a long way in assisting the colon function appropriately. Apart from their high fiber content however, they are also rich in several nutrients and antioxidants that help in eliminating free radicals that contribute to the development of cancer in the body. Several researches have shown that a high fiber, plant-rich diet goes a long way in reducing formation of polyps in the colon.

Alcohol consumption

According to the International Agency for Cancer Research of the World Health Organization, there is sufficient evidence linking the consumption of alcoholic beverages and cancer in humans. Excessive consumption of alcohol results in a stimulation of the development of cancerous tissues. The mediator for this link is acetaldehyde which is produced in unusually high concentrations after bouts of alcohol consumption. Additionally, it has been shown that excessive alcohol consumption results in an increase in the body’s insulin levels, and this can lead to development of polyps, the precursors of colorectal cancer.

Processed foods

This is particularly more relevant in the western world where a lot of people depend on chemically processed foods. Research has shown that the typical western diet consisting of a lot of fast and processed foods significantly increases the risk of colon cancer, as well as other types of cancer. Due to the fact that such diets are rich in carcinogenic chemicals and do not contain the necessary nutrients, it is difficult to keep the colon working properly. These and other unhealthy eating habits linked with colon cancer, if eliminated, go a long way in preventing cancer development.