Colon cancer is one type of cancer that often occurs and is closely related to a person's diet and lifestyle. Some types of food are known to increase the risk of colon cancer if consumed excessively or continuously in the long term. Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is very important to prevent the risk of this disease. Here are some types of food that can cause colon cancer.
What Foods Can Cause Colon Cancer?
Processed foods, such as sausages, nuggets, bacon, and ham, are one of the main causes of colon cancer. The preservation process of these foods often involves chemicals such as nitrates and nitrites, which can turn into carcinogenic compounds in the body. Research shows that regular consumption of processed meat can increase the risk of colon cancer because the content of these chemicals can damage cells in the intestinal wall.
In addition, red meat such as beef, lamb, and pork can also increase the risk of colon cancer if consumed in large quantities. When red meat is cooked at high temperatures, such as grilled or fried, harmful compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic amines (HCAs) can form. These compounds are carcinogenic and can trigger the growth of cancer cells in the colon. Therefore, consumption of red meat should be limited and balanced with fiber intake from vegetables and fruits.
Foods high in sugar and trans fats also contribute to the risk of colon cancer. Fast foods, packaged snacks, cakes, and sugary drinks contain excess sugar and fat that can cause chronic inflammation in the body. This inflammation can trigger damage to colon cells and increase the risk of cancer cell growth. A diet high in fat and sugar is also often associated with obesity, which is a major risk factor for colon cancer.
Lack of fiber consumption in daily food is also an important factor that affects the risk of colon cancer. Low-fiber foods, such as white rice, white bread, or other processed foods, can slow down the digestive process and cause stool to stay in the colon longer. This can increase the exposure of the intestines to toxic substances so that the risk of cancer becomes higher. Conversely, high-fiber foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, help smooth digestion and cleanse the intestines of harmful substances.
How to Reduce the Risk of Colon Cancer
To reduce the risk of colon cancer, it is important to avoid or limit the consumption of the foods mentioned above. Adopting a healthy diet by increasing the consumption of fiber-rich foods, such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds, and reducing the consumption of processed meats and foods high in trans fats, can help maintain colon health. In addition, maintaining an ideal body weight, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption can also significantly reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Article written by dr. Seno Budi Santoso, Sp.B. Subsp. BD(K) (Surgeon Specialist - Digestive Surgery Subspecialist EMC Pulomas Hospital).