New Bowel Cancer Risk Factor: High Intake Of Sugary Foods

Date: Jul-16-2013Sugary snacks increase the risk of bowel cancer, according to a new study published in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention. It is the first study of its kind to find a positive link between bowel cancer and high sugar and fat diets.

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland found that the consumption of sodas, cakes, biscuits, snacks and desserts is linked to an increased risk in colorectal cancer (bowel cancer).

Conducted last year using data from the Scottish Colorectal Cancer Study, the study included 2,063 patients suffering from bowel cancer and 2,776 controls from Scotland.

The study builds on previous research analyzing links between diet and bowel cancer, which identified two distinct eating patterns. One was a diet high in healthy foods, such as fruit and vegetables, and the other diet was high in meat, fat and sugar.

The research team analyzed over 170 foods, including fruits, vegetables, fish and meat, as well as chocolate, nuts, crisps and fruit drinks.

They also looked at links between some established risks of bowel cancer, such as family history of cancer, physical activity and smoking.

Results revealed that the healthy diet was associated with a decreased risk of bowel cancer, while the high fat and sugar diet is associated with an increased risk.

Dr. Evropi Theodoratou, of the University of Edinburgh's School of Molecular, Genetic and Population Health Sciences, says:
"What we have found is very interesting and it merits further investigation using large population studies. While the positive associations between a diet high in sugar and fat and colorectal cancer do not automatically imply 'cause and effect,' it is important to take on board what we've found ''" especially as people in industrialized countries are consuming more of these foods."

According to the research paper, bowel cancer accounts for 9.7% of all cancer cases and 8% of all cancer-related deaths.

Previous studies have linked the risk of bowel cancer to variation in diets. According to Cancer Research UK, a study called the European Investigation into Cancer (EPIC), revealed that people who consumed a large amount of fibre in their diet had a 25-40% reduced risk of developing bowel cancer.

The EPIC research also suggests that people who eat an 80g portion of fish each day reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer by a third.

Other research has also suggested that a diet high in red meats and other food containing large amounts of iron could lead to an increased risk of bowel cancer. Further research from Cancer Research UK revealed that bowel cancer was two to three times more likely to develop in mice who had been fed high amounts of iron.

Written by Honor Whiteman

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