The benefits of eating a vegetarian or vegan diet can be a little controversial. While one group argues that meat is bad for your heart, cholesterol levels, and general well being, the other group laments about the nutrients that vegetarians miss. There is one scientifically proven benefit of being a vegetarian though; UK scientists have found that vegetarians had a lower cancer rate when compared to meat-eaters, except for colorectal cancer.
Do Vegetarians have a higher colorectal cancer risk? Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide. Some of the colorectal cancer symptoms are: A change in bowel habits. According to renowned cancer doctors, it can be anything ranging from diarrhea to constipation to narrowing of the stool.
An urge to have a bowel movement which is not relieved after having one
Blood in stool which might make the stool look dark
Weakness and fatigue
Unwanted weight loss
In recent research, colorectal cancer incidence in vegetarians was observed to be higher by 39% when compared to meat-eaters. Since the common understanding among researchers and cancer doctors previously was that vegetarians were at lower cancer risk when compared to non-vegetarians, the results were shocking for even the best oncologists and cancer researchers.
Why do vegetarians have low risk of other cancers? According to researchers, cancer doctors, and some of the best oncologists involved in specialized research, plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains have a chock full of nutrients that help the body without causing side effects like meat does. Plants produce phytochemicals that protect the cells from damage and are anti-inflammatory. Eating a vegetarian diet also boosts fiber intake, which regulates the functionality of the body and decreases calorie intake. A healthy, fit body means a lesser chance of cancer.
Risk factors for colorectal cancer
Obesity- Being overweight is one of the leading causes of colorectal cancer in both men and women; however, the incidence is higher in men as observed by researchers and cancer doctors alike.
Smoking
Alcohol Intake
Age
Race & ethnicity
Diabetes
Family or personal history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer
Personal history of IBS
Inherited gene mutations (seen in 5% of people who develop colorectal cancer)
Co-morbidities
Precautions to prevent colorectal cancer
According to cancer doctors and some of the best oncologists specialized in colorectal cancer, some of the best precautionary steps for colorectal cancers are: 1. Maintain a healthy diet. Fibre, protein and nutrition-rich balanced diet is the best diet. Avoid red meat but lean meat is good for health. 2. Get some exercise in regularly 3. Get screened for colorectal cancer if you are part of the at-risk group 4. Watch your weight 5. Do not smoke or quit smoking if you smoke regularly. The mortality rate of smokers with colorectal cancer is higher. 6. Stop drinking alcohol or at least limit alcohol intake Linking diet to cancer is difficult according to researchers and cancer doctors alike, because of the different demographics included in sub-sects of people and their dietary choices. When a group of people is selected, there are chances that the group does not represent the population therefore, results may vary. Cancer, as a whole, represents a difficult disease spectrum. If you are in the high-risk or at-risk group if you are suffering from colorectal cancer symptoms, or if you have colorectal or any other type of cancer, your best bet would be to connect with one of the best oncologists in Delhi NCR, Dr. Manish Singhal, also regarded as a top cancer specialist in Delhi.