Prevention of colorectal cancer

  1.Dietary adjustment ①Reducing energy intake: Energy intake is related to the occurrence of colorectal cancer. Most studies have shown that total energy intake is related to the risk of colorectal cancer, regardless of whether the energy intake is protein, fat or carbohydrate. Reducing energy intake has the potential to reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer.  ②Reducing fat and red meat intake: The occurrence of colorectal cancer is closely related to animal fat and meat, and some studies have shown that the risk of colorectal cancer is 3.26 times higher in those with high fat intake than those with low fat. And the intake of red meat is a strong risk factor for the occurrence of colorectal cancer. Reducing the fat content in food, especially minimizing brown meat after frying and roasting, can help reduce the chance of colorectal cancer.  ③Increase fruits, vegetables and dietary fiber: fiber can increase the amount of stool, dilute carcinogens in the colon and adsorb bile salts, thus can reduce the occurrence of colorectal cancer. Epidemiological data show that the risk of colorectal cancer in those with the highest fruit and vegetable intake is only half of that in those with the lowest. Therefore, in the usual diet, we should try to consume more vegetables, fruits and fiber and have a reasonable diet to reduce the occurrence of colorectal cancer.  ④Vitamins and trace elements: Some studies have shown that supplementation with vitamins A, C and E can transform the excessive proliferation of colonic epithelium in adenoma patients into normal, but the current information does not support the use of antioxidant vitamins to prevent colorectal cancer. Folic acid reduces the incidence of colorectal cancer, but the exact mechanism is not known. Another study found that increased intake of calcium and magnesium may reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer, but the study is not well-detailed.  ⑤ Dietary anti-carcinogens: dietary garlic, onions, leeks and shallots contain thioether; citrus contains terpenes; grapes, strawberries, apples contain plant phenols as well as carrots, diosgenes, watermelon contains carotenoids, are believed to be able to inhibit mutations and have anti-cancer effects. Especially garlic, some studies have shown that garlic is the vegetable with the strongest protective effect to save people from distal colon cancer.  2.Change life habits ① Exercise: Obesity, especially abdominal obesity and low physical activity are the risk factors of colorectal cancer. Weight loss and exercise can play a role in preventing colorectal cancer.  ② Quit drinking and smoking 3.Drugs Many epidemiological studies have shown that the incidence of colorectal cancer is reduced in long-term users of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, the dosage, duration of use and side effects caused by long-term application of NSAIDs need to be further studied.  4.Treatment of precancerous lesions Patients with ulcerative colitis, personal or family history of colorectal cancer or adenoma have an increased risk of colorectal cancer, and through screening and follow-up, early removal of adenoma and treatment of colitis can reduce the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer. Especially for those with family history, screening high-risk groups through genetic examination and performing colonoscopy are important aspects of colorectal cancer prevention.