What Are The Signs Of Colorectal Cancer?

By Janet Lewison


We all know fiber is good for us, now we're learning more about just how good. Eating a diet that's full of fiber is associated with a lower colon cancer risk factors according to research from Britain and the Netherlands that examined no less than 25 studies on the subject.

Total fiber intake, and fiber that came from whole grains including cereals was most associated with a lower colorectal cancer risk, while fiber from fruits, veggies and legumes was not quite as good in terms of cancer risk.

The most common causes of cancer are as follows * genetic or hereditary origin; * High dietary fat intake; * low-fiber diet (low vegetable and fruit consumption) * polyps (non-cancerous tumor) that are not removed from the colon; and * Ulcerative colitis

Studies revealed that people with family history of colon cancer are high risk of developing the disease. Another cause of colon cancer is high fat dietary intake. Various researches show that the metabolism (breakdown) of fats results to the production of free radicals or carcinogens, which are substances that cause cancer. Meanwhile, low fiber dietary intake is generally associated with poor bowel movement resulting to diminished ability of the body to eliminate waste products including carcinogens. Cancer in the colon and rectum is also believed to be a complication of Chronic Ulcerative Colitis (bowel inflammatory disease) and polyps that have not been removed.

Comparisons were made between groups who had the highest level of fiber intake each day and those that had the lowest intake. The amounts varied depending on the study, but when the team compared groups who ate the lowest amounts with those who consumed more, they saw some interesting results. The team discovered a 10 percent risk reduction in cancer of the colon for every 10gm of fiber consumed per day.

The more fiber a subject ate, the more reduction in the risk. This is an association and not due to cause and effect. Over 141,000 novel cases of cancer of the colon are estimated to be diagnosed in the United States this year alone. The more fiber you take in each day, the better according to researchers. We know that American's don't get the fiber they should. Most of us take in about 15 grams a day, far below the recommended 25 gms of fiber per day for women, 38 grams a day for men. As a point of reference, a slice of wheat bread brings 2 gm of fiber and one cup of oatmeal comes with double that, or 4 grams of fiber. Eating enough fiber brings lots of benefits including... 1. Improved control over cholesterol levels 2. Improved control over blood sugar 3. Lower risk of hemorrhoids and diverticular disease 4. Less constipation 5. Aids in weight loss

And while experts are still trying to figure out why fiber might bring down colon cancer risk, there are theories. One of the more popular is that fiber might cut the "transit time" of food in the digestive system, so cancer causing chemicals just don't spend as long inside our bodies. The fiber could also dilute carcinogens that accumulate in the colon itself. It's important to understand that... 1. Colon cancer likely develops over many years, so starting taking in more fiber during your 50s might not be enough to protect you from getting this form of cancer during your 60s.. 2. Where you live and who is around you, even what you do for work can impact your risk as well. 3. Lack of exercise contributes to colon cancer development 4. Other colon cancer risk factors include chronic inflammation, for example inflammatory bowel disease.




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