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 slowly$^{1}$. This makes screening important, as there are often no symptoms during the stage prior to metastasis, making the cancer difficult to detect$^{1}$. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the second highest cause of cancer-related death in men, and the third highest in women$^{2}$. 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 it$^{2}$.   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 2023$^{3}$.

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.

Overall Colorectal Cancer Prevention Nutritional Recommendations

Colorectal cancers are potentially linked to more Western style diets$^{4}$. 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/m$^{2}$ $^{5}$. 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 day$^{7}$. At least 1 ounce (30 g) of fiber 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 week$^{10}$. Processed meat should be limited if not avoided all together. 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 day in women and 2 drinks per day in men$^{4}$. 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 liquor per day$^{10}$.

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 salt$^{13}$). Obesity can be counteracted with daily moderate physical activity and living a generally active lifestyle$^{}$$^{6}$. Fruits and Vegetables: Vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants are all associated with cancer prevention. Incorporating various colors of fruits and vegetables into your diet can ensure that these nutrient requirements are being met$^{4}$. It is essential that non-starchy vegetables be consumed$^{5}$. To add diversity within meals, try grilling, steaming, or sautéing the vegetables$^{14}$. If fruits or vegetables are not in season, try to find frozen, canned, or dried varieties that do not have too many added ingredients such as sauces, salt, or butter$^{14}$. For colorectal cancer prevention specifically, research encourages including garlic in meals on a daily basis$^{10}$. Proteins: Poultry and fish are recommended over red and processed meats$^{7}$. When preparing meats, one should bake or grill them instead of frying or breading$^{14}$. It is also recommended to swap out meats with other foods that are rich in protein such as beans$^{14}$. Vitamins and Minerals: Consumption of vitamin D, calcium, folic acid, and potassium should be increased, as these nutrients are associated with a lower risk of developing colorectal cancer$^{7,13}$. Furthermore, it is recommended to choose drinks with fortified dairy, as well as low or no-fat milk and yogurt$^{13}$. Other foods that are high in calcium include kale, spinach, and collard greens$^{8,12}$. Vitamins and Minerals should come from whole foods within the diet and not from supplements$^{5}$.

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

References

1. What is Colorectal Cancer? Colorectal Cancer Canada. (2021).
2. Colorectal cancer studies. Canadian Cancer Society. (2022).
3. Key Statistics for Colorectal Cancer. American Cancer Society. (2023).
4. Colon Cancer. Mayo Clinic. (2023).
5. 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).
6. Have a healthy body weight. Canadian Cancer Society. (2022).
7. 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).
8. Understanding Your Colorectal Cancer Risk. Colorectal Cancer Alliance.
9. Eat whole grain foods. Canada’s Food Guide. (2022).
10. Nutrition for Colorectal Cancer Prevention. Stanford Medicine. (2015).
11. Can Colorectal Cancer Be Prevented? American Cancer Society. (2020).
12. Living a Healthy Colon Lifestyle. Colorectal Cancer Alliance.
13. Healthy Eating Tips. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022).
14. Healthy Eating for a Healthy Weight. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023).

About This Article

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• Recommendations for Colorectal Cancer Prevention from the World’s Leading Cancer Organizations
• Methods
• General Anticancer Eating Habits
• Overall Colorectal Cancer Prevention Nutritional Recommendations
• Explanation, Tips, and Examples
• Summary
• Frequently Asked Questions
• References
• About This Article
• Disclaimer