The Effects of Nutrition and Lifestyle Modification on patients affected with Colorectal Cancer Michael Pedroso
Cancer in the United States • Cancer is an insidious disease that affects more than 111 million people today. • Cancer is the second highest leading cause of death in the United States and was the cause of death for over 589,000 people last year. • Adenocarcinoma of the colon affects approximately 150,000 Americans annually • Approximately nine percent of those deaths were related to colon and rectal cancer in both men and women.
What is Colon Cancer • Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor forming on the inner lining of the large intestine • Excluding skin cancer, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer in males and the fourth in females • Risk factors for colorectal cancer include a family history, colon polyps, and chronic ulcerative colitis • Unfortunately, colon polyps and early stages of cancer may have no symptoms. Regular screening of colon cancer is important.
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Diet and Lifestyle Modifications • Limiting the amount of dietary fat is an effective way to the prevention of colorectal cancer • Lack of dietary fiber • The over-consumption of red meat is associated with an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer • The over-consumption of alcoholic beverages • Smoking
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Diet and Lifestyle Modifications • Improves overall health • Physical exercise decreases colorectal cancer by 24% • Recommends at least 30 minutes of exercise five days a week • Prevents obesity
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Antioxidants and Phytochemicals • Phytochemicals recently discovered to help fight cancer – Flavonoids, phenols, terpenes – Tomatoes, Citrus fruit, berries, peppers, soy beans
• Foods rich in antioxidants defend against free radials and repair its damages to cells – Selenium, lutein, and beta-carotene – Carrots, Tuna, Blueberries, teas – Dark Chocolate
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Dietary Fiber • Improves overall health that promotes the movement of waste through the digestive tract faster • May aid in the detoxification of waste that can cause cancer by being absorbed by intestinal tissue • Brown rice, kidney beans, berries, legumes whole-grain cereals, fresh fruit and vegtables
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Vitamins and Minerals • Folic Acid and Vitamin C – Essential in forming new cells and tissues – Production and maintenance of red blood cells – Citrus fruits and dark leafy vegetables
• Calcium and Vitamin D – Helps fight off colon cancer – Cheese, yogurt, kale, salmon – 20 minutes of sun before 10am and after 3 pm for vitamin D
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Food Preparation • Burnt or charred meats can lead to the creation of carcinogenic substances • Use tin foil to barbecue foods to avoid burning or charring • Use waxed paper or microwave-safe containers when rewarming food in the microwave
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Cachexia • Also known as Wasting Syndrome • Large amounts of muscle are burned to fight an infection • A form of malnutrition that can be associated with patients with advanced stages of cancer • Characterized by weakness, diarrhea and vomiting for 30 days of more, fevers, and unintentional weight loss • Accounts to 20-40% of all cancer deaths
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Treatment for those with cachexia • Exercise to stimulate appetite • Appitite Stimulating medications used to promote nutritional intake – Megace – Dacadron – Thalidomide
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Risk factors and screening tools • Age and family history, can play a significant role in the development of colorectal cancer • Colonoscopy screening provides healthcare providers direct visualization of the colon and would be able to biopsy and remove any polyps that may lead to cancer
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References Brogan, C. (2015, January 27). What are the Treatments for Cancer With Cachexia? Retrieved from Livestrong.com: http://www.livestrong.com/article/105724treatments-cancer-cachexia/
Diana Rodriguez. (2014, September 23). 8 Diet Tips to Help Prevent Colon Cancer. Retrieved from Everyday health: http://www.everydayhealth.com/healthreport/colon-cancer-awareness/pictures/colon-cancer-prevention-diet.aspx#/slide-
Helmus, D. S., Thompson, C. L., Zelenskiy, S., Tucker, T. C., & Li, L. (2013). Red Mea Derived Heterocyclic Amines Increase Risk of Colon Cancer: A Population-Based Case-Control Study. Nutrition & Cancer, 1141-1150.
References Mee Young Hong, E. N. (2013). Effects of Dark Chocolate on AzoxymethaneInduced Colonic Aberrant Crypt Foci. Nutrition and Cancer, 677-685. Movva, S. (2014, July 27). Eating to Prevent Colorectal Cancer. Retrieved from Web MD: http://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/guide/eating-preventcancer?page=2 Obesity and Cancer Risk. (2012, January 3). Retrieved from National Cancer Institute: http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causesprevention/risk/obesity/obesity-fact-sheet#q6 Porth, C. M. (2011). Essentials of Pathophysiology. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.