Colorectal Cancer

Recommendations for Colorectal Cancer Prevention from the World’s Leading Cancer Organizations

Modify your diet to decrease your risk of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer may refer to either cancer of the colon (a part of the large intestine) or to cancer of the rectum. In comparison to other cancers, colorectal cancer spreads relatively slowly¹. This makes screening important, as there are often no symptoms during the stage prior to metastasis, making the cancer difficult to detect¹. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the second-highest cause of cancer-related death in men, and the third-highest in women². In Canada, 1 in 16 men and 1 in 19 women will develop colorectal cancer; 1 in 34 men and 1 in 40 women will die from it². In the United States, it has the second greatest number of cancer deaths, and it is estimated that 52,550 individuals will die from colorectal cancer in 2023³.

Methods

The infographic and recommendations described in this article were created based on the combined nutritional information accumulated from some of the largest and most referenced prostate cancer organizations. We also summarize each organization’s recommendations independently.

General Anticancer Eating Habits

For general cancer prevention, see our Cancer Fighting Food Recommendation Article that was created using a similar methodology, but for all cancers.

🍽️

Getting Started: Recommendations to Prevent Cancer: A large variety of colorful vegetables and fruits should be consumed daily. Whole grains and seeds should be consumed. Hydration is essential. Fiber and whole food consumption should take up a large percentage of daily intake. Red and processed meats should be limited to 12-18 ounces per week, if not avoided all together. Plant-based food consumption should be favored. Trans fats, foods high in fat, starches, and sugar should be limited or substituted with unsaturated fats and omega-3s. Alcohol should be avoided, but if consumed, it should be limited to 2 or fewer alcoholic beverages per week.

Overall Colorectal Cancer Prevention Nutritional Recommendations

Colorectal cancers are potentially linked to more Western-style diets⁴. Leading cancer research organizations associate obesity and unhealthy weight management with an increased risk of colorectal cancer^5-7. To mitigate the risk of colorectal cancer, Body Mass Index (BMI) should be kept between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m² ⁵. It is recommended to consume 1.5-2 cups (355-473 g) of fruit and 2.5-3 cups (592-710 g) of non-starchy vegetables every day⁷. At least 1 ounce (30 g) of fibre should be consumed, preferably from whole plant foods, in your diet every day^5,7. When eating grains, whole grains should be chosen^7,9. Red meat should be kept to a maximum of 18 ounces (510 g) per week¹⁰. Processed meat should be limited, if not avoided altogether. Choosing foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D is encouraged^8,11. 24-32 ounces (680-907 g) of low-fat or fat-free milk should be consumed daily^8,12. Alcohol should not be consumed, but if it is consumed, it should be no more than 1 drink per week in women and 2 drinks per week in men⁴. 1 drink is the equivalent of 12 ounces of beer (355 ml), 5 ounces of wine (148 ml), or 1.5 ounces (44 ml) of hard liquor¹⁰.

Explanation, Tips, and Examples

📄 Detailed Colorectal Cancer Prevention Notes by Anticancer.ca

Weight Management: To keep Body Mass Index and obesity under control, it is essential to limit fast food and other foods that are high in calories, sugar, and sodium. Pre-packaged, prepared, and processed foods are often high in calories, sugar, and sodium (e.g., according to the CDC, 70% of the sodium consumed in America comes from pre-packaged or prepared foods, and 90% of the overall sodium in Americans’ diets originates from salt¹³). Obesity can be counteracted with daily moderate physical activity and living a generally active lifestyle⁶.

Fruits and Vegetables: Vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants are all associated with cancer prevention. Incorporating various colors of fruits and vegetables into your diet can ensure that these nutrient requirements are being met⁴. It is essential that non-starchy vegetables be consumed⁵. To add diversity within meals, try grilling, steaming, or sautéing the vegetables¹⁴. If fruits or vegetables are not in season, try to find frozen, canned, or dried varieties that do not have too many added ingredients such as sauces, salt, or butter¹⁴. For colorectal cancer prevention specifically, research encourages including garlic in meals on a daily basis¹⁰.

Proteins: Poultry and fish are recommended over red and processed meats⁷. When preparing meats, one should bake or grill them instead of frying or breading¹⁴. It is also recommended to swap out meats with other foods that are rich in protein, such as beans¹⁴.

Vitamins and Minerals: Consumption of vitamin D, calcium, folic acid, and potassium should be increased, as these nutrients are associated with a lower risk of developing colorectal cancer^7,13. Furthermore, it is recommended to choose drinks with fortified dairy, as well as low or no-fat milk and yogurt¹³. Other foods that are high in calcium include kale, spinach, and collard greens^8,12. Vitamins and Minerals should come from whole foods within the diet and not from supplements⁵.

Summary

Overall, the recommendations for colorectal cancer prevention largely overlap with those provided for general cancer prevention. However, daily consumption of garlic is uniquely emphasized for colorectal cancer prevention. The nutrients that were mentioned the most amongst colorectal cancer organizations included calcium and vitamin D. While many low/no-fat dairy products were recommended, calcium can also be consumed through leafy greens. A consistent guideline is to obtain nutrients via the consumption of whole foods rather than by using supplements.

To have your institution recommendations included or to modify the recommendations presented from your institution email info@anticancer.ca.

Subscribe for future work that will include recommendations for other specific cancers. We will also feature the reasoning and evidence behind certain recommendations, and reviews of primary research papers and randomized clinical controlled trials that investigate specific nutrients and supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, yes, these nutrition guidelines are useful even if you already have colorectal cancer. Studies show that healthy eating habits can complement your medical treatment and help you in the fight against cancer. You should consult with a health professional and your specific colorectal cancer treatment team.

These are foods that have been shown through scientific research to reduce cancer risk. These foods that fight cancer should NOT be a substitute for any cancer-fighting treatment, such as treatment used to reduce tumor growth or to stop cancer cells, from a licensed medical professional. Instead, these foods should complement your cancer-fighting strategy. They provide potential health benefits and reduced risk.

Yes, there are specific examples as discussed in the article above. In addition, you may wish to consult our Cancer Fighting Food Recommendation Article. In terms of vegetables and fruits, leafy green vegetables should be consumed and in addition, the more variety of colours that are consumed in the diet, the more variety of phytonutrients that the body absorbs. It is recommended that whole foods be preferred over seeking nutrients from supplements such as beta carotene, folic acid, and vitamin C. A diet rich in these nutrients is more beneficial than eating the supplements themselves. Whole foods are always preferred over any form of processed foods, especially in terms of processed meat. Future articles will discuss randomized controlled trials and evidence for specific nutrients. Remember: do NOT use nutrition to substitute for any cancer-fighting treatment recommendations from a licensed medical professional. Instead, these foods that fight cancer should complement your cancer-fighting strategy.

We began with the largest colorectal cancer institutions and societies, but have slowly incorporated additional information. Not all institutions/societies have information for every category.

Whole foods are preferred over supplements; we will have future articles discussing possible supplementation.

Different experts may focus in on different studies, clinical trials, peer-reviewed studies, or other scientific references. They may place emphasis on data that was performed at their specific institute, so they know that it is reliable. Even when experts focus on the same studies, clinical trials, and peer-reviewed sources, the interpretation of the data could be different. Scientific interpretation is often influenced by an individual’s specific background and experiences, as well as how restrictive they decide to make their recommendations. Thus, our compilation has minimal and aggressive recommendations, a simple guide for you to follow to make sure you have your bases covered.

Medical and dietary restrictions come first. The cancer-fighting recommendations are generally flexible and allow for a variety of choices to adapt to your needs. For cancer-fighting meal examples that might fit your personal restrictions, see our personalized meal planner.

No. Cancer is a complex disease. Research papers often evaluate the effects of different chemicals on cancer cells grown on a dish at much higher concentrations than can be safely achieved in the human body. Further, there are many differences between cancer cells of the same type, and even differences among the different cancer cells within the same person.

References

What is Colorectal Cancer? Colorectal Cancer Canada. (2021).
Colorectal cancer studies. Canadian Cancer Society. (2022).
Key Statistics for Colorectal Cancer. American Cancer Society. (2023).
Colon Cancer. Mayo Clinic. (2023).
Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer: a Global Perspective. Continuous Update Project Expert Report 2018. Recommendations and public health and policy implications. World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research. (2018).
Have a healthy body weight. Canadian Cancer Society. (2022).
Rock, C. et al. American Cancer Society guideline for Diet and physical activity for cancer prevention. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians 70, 245-271. (2020).
Understanding Your Colorectal Cancer Risk. Colorectal Cancer Alliance.
Eat whole grain foods. Canada’s Food Guide. (2022).
Nutrition for Colorectal Cancer Prevention. Stanford Medicine. (2015).
Can Colorectal Cancer Be Prevented? American Cancer Society. (2020).
Living a Healthy Colon Lifestyle. Colorectal Cancer Alliance.
Healthy Eating Tips. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022).
Healthy Eating for a Healthy Weight. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023).

About This Article

First Published	Sep 1, 2023
Last Updated	Sep 1, 2023
Author	Ashiana Sunderji
Reviewer	Adin Aggarwal
Supervisor	Kenneth W. Yip

Disclaimer

The content on Anticancer.ca is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not serve as a substitute for professional medical advice or services. Consult a licensed physician for personalized medical advice or questions about your health. Do not disregard professional advice or delay seeking help based on information found on our website. In case of a medical emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room immediately.

Anticancer.ca strives to provide accurate and reliable information but cannot guarantee its error-free or comprehensive nature. We are not responsible for the quality or endorsement of information, services, products, treatments, or therapies provided by third parties mentioned on our website. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making medical decisions.