Among the various forms of cancer that are increasingly spreading among people under 50 years of age, colon cancer is the most prominent: this pathology, in particular, can be linked to the consumption of certain foods. As reported by the New York Post, a recent study highlighted a possible correlation between excessively processed foods and the risk of contracting colon cancer.
This research, carried out by experts at the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute, found clear signs of risks associated with consuming various foods that are cooked or processed excessively, which are characterized by high levels of salt, sugar, saturated fat and additives: these ingredients, based on the findings carried out, would be one of the triggers for colorectal cancer.
The foods in question, usually called ultra-processed or ultra-processed, are foods and drinks that have undergone certain types of changes with additional ingredients and are often sold by large distribution chains or fast food outlets.
The researchers analyzed twenty years of data, taking into account the diet and medical analysis of more than 30 thousand patients, all of whom underwent colonoscopies before the age of 50. Individuals who habitually eat unhealthy foods are 45% more likely to fall ill than individuals with a healthy lifestyle.
The first signs of colon cancer are adenomas which, although benign, can be the beginning of serious cancer-related problems in the future.
One of the authors of the study, Dr. Andrew Chan, explains: “Our findings highlight the need to reduce consumption of “junk food” in order to adopt strategies aimed at reducing the incidence of colon cancer. We took into account the patient’s physical structure, any diabetes problems, and their diet: taking all these elements into account, food was by far the most dangerous factor.”
“However, diet – added Doctor Chan – does not appear to be the only explanation for the large increase in cases we recorded: we saw many young patients falling ill, despite a balanced diet”.
Moreover, beyond this research, there is also an opportunity to uncover therapeutic opportunities: another study, funded by Cancer Research UK, the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society, is experimenting with the use of GLP-1, a drug usually used for type 2 diabetes, to increase the effectiveness of metabolic function, fighting tumors associated with inflammation of the digestive tract.
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