Nutrition and colorectal cancer risk: a literature review

Abstract

Though no one knows why one person gets cancer and another does not, there are ways to decrease the chances of getting cancer. In the case of colorectal cancers, diet may be a preventative factor. The objective of this literature review was to determine whether a person's nutritional diet has an effect on his or her risk of getting colorectal cancer. Studies done by a number of researchers on the correlation between colorectal cancer risk and diet were reviewed. Research papers investigating dietary patterns and colorectal cancer incidence were examined. A synthesis of this literature suggests a diet high in red meat and fat may increase a person's risk of getting colorectal cancer. Contrary to previous recommendations, there is no strong evidence to suggest that fiber intake (including more fruits and vegetables) has any effect on colorectal cancer risk.