Examining Coffee Consumption: Potential Role in Reducing Colorectal Cancer Incidence
Numerous studies, according to the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), suggest a correlation between coffee consumption and a lower risk of colorectal and bowel cancer. An international study published in the Journal of Cancer found that drinking four cups of coffee daily is linked to a 32% reduced risk of colorectal cancer recurrence. The research involved 1,719 participants with colorectal cancer at stages one through three.
Coffee consumption may contribute to this outcome by reducing oxidative stress, aiding gut bacteria, inhibiting tumor growth, and offering protection against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Moreover, other findings suggest that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of colorectal cancer as compared to non-coffee drinkers.
Interestingly, there are differences between caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee. Caffeinated coffee may be linked to a higher risk of rectal cancer, but not colon cancer, which indicates that the body may metabolize the two types of coffee differently.
In an effort to prevent colorectal cancer, people are encouraged to engage in physical activity, eat a nutritious diet, and avoid tobacco and alcohol use.
Further research is needed to determine the specific effects of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee on the risk of colorectal and rectal cancer. Current evidence generally supports a reduced risk of colorectal cancer with moderate coffee consumption, although the mechanisms by which coffee influences cancer risk remain unclear.
To learn more about coffee and cancer risk, explore topics such as cancer-fighting foods to reduce cancer risk and context on the relationship between diet and cancer risk.
(Sources: World Cancer Research Fund, Journal of Cancer)
- Studies in the field of oncology, such as those conducted by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), propose a potential link between coffee consumption and a lower risk of developing both colorectal and bowel cancer.
- Intriguingly, the Journal of Cancer published an international study that revealed drinking four cups of coffee daily could decrease the risk of colorectal cancer recurrence by 32%.
- Science suggests that coffee may contribute to this beneficial outcome by combating oxidative stress, supporting gut bacteria, impeding tumor growth, and offering protection against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
- As part of a comprehensive approach to health-and-wellness and cancer prevention, experts recommend a balanced diet rich in nutrition, regular physical activity, and abstinence from tobacco and alcohol use.
