Cancer in numbers: Do preventive measures for colorectal cancer apply?

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer is a global problem as it will affect one in three men and one in four women during their lifetime. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer in men, after lung cancer, and is the second most common cancer in women after breast cancer. It is also the second leading cause of death in men and women separately, and is the second most common cause of cancer death if both genders are considered together. CRC accounts for approximately 10% of cancer deaths. Modifiable risk factors for CRC include smoking, physical inactivity, overweight and obesity, processed meat consumption, and excessive alcohol consumption. CRC screening programs are possible in economically developed countries. However, attention should be paid in the future to geographically populated areas and western lifestyles.

Objective: To evaluate the effect on the incidence and mortality of diet and lifestyle of CRC and to determine the effect of secondary prevention through the early diagnosis of CRC.

Methodology: An exhaustive search of Medline and Pubmed articles related to primary and secondary prevention of CRC is carried out and a meta-analysis of the same blocks is carried out.

Results: 301 items related to primary or secondary prevention of CRC were recovered. Of these, 177 were considered valid in the meta-analysis: 12 in epidemiology, 56 in diet and lifestyle, and over 77 different projections for the early detection of CRC. Cancer is a global problem as it will affect one in three men and one in four women during their lifetime. There is no question of which environmental factors, probably diet, may explain these cancer rates. Excessive consumption of alcohol and high cholesterol diet are associated with a high risk of colon cancer. A diet low in folic acid and vitamin B6 is also associated with an increased risk of developing colon cancer with overexpression of p53. Eating pulses at least three times a week reduces the risk of developing colon cancer by 33% after eating less meat, while eating brown rice at least once a week reduces the risk of CRC by 40%. These associations suggest a dose-response effect. Frequently eating cooked vegetables, nuts, nuts, legumes and brown rice has been associated with a lower risk of colorectal polyps. High calcium intake provides a protective effect against distal colon and rectum tumors compared to the proximal colon. Increased intake of dairy and calcium reduces the risk of colon cancer. Regularly taking aspirin (ASA) after being diagnosed with colon cancer is associated with less risk of dying from this cancer, especially among people who have COX-2 overexpressing tumors. However, these data do not contradict the data obtained on a possible genetic predisposition, even in sporadic or non-hereditary CRC. CRC is susceptible to detection because it is a serious health problem due to its high incidence and high associated morbidity / mortality.

Conclusions: (1) Cancer is a global problem. (2) A modification of diet and lifestyle could reduce morbidity and mortality. (3) Early detection through screening improves prognosis and reduces mortality.