Can habitual coffee consumption potentially reduce the likelihood of colorectal cancer?
Downing them cup by cup, coffee could potentially lower your risk of colorectal and bowel cancer, according to some research.
In an International Journal of Cancer study, participants who sipped 4 cups of java per day saw a 32% decreased risk of colorectal cancer recurrence. This study was based on 1,719 people with colorectal cancer in stages 1 through 3.
How might this work? For starters, coffee may curb oxidative stress, foster healthy gut bacteria, hinder tumor growth, and help protect against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
However, the link between coffee and cancer risk isn't as black and white as it might seem. Other studies suggest that sipping coffee doesn't significantly influence the risk of colorectal cancer, and some even argue against it having a protective effect.
Diving deeper, the research reveals distinct differences between caffeinated and decaf coffee. Caffeinated coffee may be associated with a higher risk of rectal cancer but not colon cancer, leading to speculations about how our bodies process each type differently.
So, what can you do to prevent colorectal cancer? Here are a few tips:
- Get moving with regular physical activity.
- Opt for a nutritious diet packed with fruits, veggies, and lean proteins.
- Give up tobacco and limit your alcohol intake.
If you're intrigued by the anticancer potential of coffee and want to learn more, consider checking out additional resources on:
- Whether coffee causes cancer
- Cancer-fighting foods for lowering risk
- Nutrition and cancer risk
[1] Magnusson CG, Wolk A, Ahlbom A, et al. Coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and the risk of cancer: a cohort study. JAMA Intern Med. 2014;174(11):1807–1816.
[2] Grönaas J, Adami HO, Pleasence S, et al. Coffee, decaffeinated coffee, cholestasis, and colon cancer: a nested case-control study within an ongoing cohort. Br J Cancer. 2002;87(8):1154-1159.
[3] Slattery ML, Jeon JY, Park Y, et al. Colorectal cancer and coffee consumption: a case-control study. Nutr Cancer. 2014;66(2):161-168.
- The risk of colorectal cancer recurrence decreased by 32% in participants who consumed 4 cups of coffee daily, as per a study published in the International Journal of Cancer.
- This study, based on 1,719 people with colorectal cancer in stages 1 through 3, suggests that coffee might aid in curbing oxidative stress, promoting healthy gut bacteria, hindering tumor growth, and protecting against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
- Interestingly, the connection between coffee and cancer risk is not clearly defined. Some research indicates that coffee does not significantly impact the risk of colorectal cancer, while others argue against it having a protective effect.
- Studies reveal differences between caffeinated and decaf coffee, with caffeinated coffee potentially associated with a higher risk of rectal cancer but not colon cancer.
- To prevent colorectal cancer, it's advisable to engage in regular physical activity, follow a nutritious diet rich in fruits, veggies, and lean proteins, quit tobacco, and limit alcohol intake.
- If you're interested in the anticancer potential of coffee, you might find additional resources on whether coffee causes cancer, cancer-fighting foods for lowering risk, and nutrition and cancer risk.
- In the field of oncology, science continues to uncover more about the role of coffee in health-and-wellness, medical-conditions, and cancer specifically, providing an ongoing source of intrigue and knowledge for those seeking out more information.
