Colorectal Cancer

In Canada, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in both males and females.1 There are several modifiable risk factors such as smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, heavy alcohol consumption and unhealthy diet.

Evidence linking red meat to colorectal cancer is inconsistent. Some epidemiological studies have suggested that high consumption of red meat is a risk factor for colorectal cancer; however, the relationships in these studies have been weak.2,3

Furthermore, some studies, including clinical trials, have not found an association between red meat consumption and colorectal cancer risk.4,5

In all research linking a dietary factor and a chronic disease, there must be a proposed mechanism that would lead to the development of disease. The results of research linking colorectal cancer to mutagenic compounds (e.g. nitrosamines, heterocyclic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) that may be formed from the processing and preparation (e.g. charring) of red meat are inconsistent.6,7,8,9

The best approach to decrease colon cancer risk is to enjoy a healthy balanced diet that includes lots of vegetables, fruits and whole grains, stay physically active, don’t smoke and reduce alcohol consumption.10,11

Want to know more?
For more information on colorectal cancer research, download Meat and Colorectal Cancer This resource includes a reproducible fact sheet for your clients.

For more information on nutrition and cancer, visit the Canadian Cancer Society.

1. Canadian Cancer Society/National Cancer Institute of Canada. Canadian Cancer Statistics 2006. (available at www.cancer.ca) [accessed April 2007].

2. Truswell AS. Eur J Clin Nutr, 2002; 56(Suppl 1):S19-S24.

3. Norat T, et al. J Natl Cancer Inst, 2005; 97:906-16.

4. Mathew A et al. Eur J Cancer Prev, 2004; 13:159-64.

5. Beresford SAA, et al. JAMA, 2006; 295:643-54.

6. Le Marchand L et al. Mutation Res, 2002; 506-507:205-214.

7 Cross AJ et al. Cancer Res, 2003; 63:2358-60.

8. Kabat GC et al. Br J Cancer, June 5 2007; advance online publication, doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6603837. http://www.bjcancer.com (accessed June 2007).

9. Cross AJ and Sinha R. Environ Molecular Mutagenesis, 2004; 44:44-45.

10. Canadian Cancer Society. Available at www.cancer.ca

11. Byers T, et al. CA Cancer J Clin, 2002; 52:92-119.