DNA and Diet Can Influence Colorectal Cancer Risk: Study

Colorectal cancer is known as one of the most serious cancer subtypes. Since the disease is very challenging to treat even at advanced stages, researchers are looking for ways to prevent the disease. Researchers say that a person’s genetics also influence their chances of getting and influencing the risk of colorectal cancer. According to a study published in Cancer Epidemiology, some researchers identified two genetic variants which increase the chance of getting colorectal cancer when a person consumes huge amounts of red meat. Thus, researchers say that people with these genetic variations might need to exert control when it comes to consuming red meat.  

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, and it can be said that this risk factor can be avoided with slight lifestyle changes. One of the biggest risk factors is consuming large quantities of processed or red meat even though the reason for this is yet to be discovered. In the new study, researchers wanted to look at the gene-environment interaction which involved how genetics and environmental factors might interact. This was mainly done to understand how particular genes affected the risk for colorectal cancer from eating red meat. 

The analysis had data from many participants. It included data from 27 studies within their analysis and researchers excluded participants who had advanced cancer. They studied 29,842 participants with colorectal cancer and 39,625 people without it. Red meat consumption was looked at by all these participants. Researchers found that participants who were old and obese consumed more calories and had a high risk of colorectal cancer. They found that people who consumed high red meats and processed meat had a high risk for colorectal cancer. They also discovered two genetic variants that might change people’s risk for colorectal cancer based on their meat consumption. 

This research also has certain limitations for instance, people with European ancestry were included as participants which means a study needs to be conducted with diverse genetics. Data on meat consumption relied on participants’ self-reports which means there might be bias. This research also did not consider behavioral patterns like exercise. 

Researchers also focused on the most common type of colorectal cancer, so the results may not be as applicable to more rare colorectal cancer types. More research may also be needed to explore the relationship between genetics and processed meat consumption. 

Even after such revelations, it can be said that colorectal cancer is a preventable disease. lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and changing diet might help in the long run. Doctors say that regular exercise combined with a healthy diet decreases the risk of colorectal cancer by 70%. As research moves forward, there will be precise information on treating individuals which in turn will help recommend better treatments.