Colorectal cancer risk linked to diet, inactivity—experts stress prevention

Colorectal cancer is highly lifestyle-related, with the most well-known being frequent consumption of red meat and obesity with a body mass index of 25 or higher, as well as physical inactivity, smoking, and heavy alcohol consumption.

There are other risk factors associated with colorectal cancer, however.

“Overeating habits, such as eating foods that are very high in calories or eating a lot of food at once, are also associated with colorectal cancer,” Professor Kim Hee-kyung of the Department of Hematology-Oncology at Chungbuk National University Hospital said on the YouTube channel with the same name as the hospital.

In addition, dietary habits that do not include fruits and vegetables and low fiber intake are also known to be associated with colon cancer. “On the other hand, it is known that eating a lot of fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, can help prevent colorectal cancer,” said Kim.

Lack of physical inactivity is also a well-known cause of colorectal cancer, especially in younger patients, with many recent studies linking prolonged sedentary behavior to the disease.

“There are many studies that link sedentary lifestyles to the increase in colorectal cancer in younger age groups, so moving around, stretching, reducing sitting time, and exercising regularly, even during the workday, can help prevent colorectal cancer,” Professor Kim said.

To prevent colorectal cancer, it's essential to reduce your intake of foods that increase your risk of colorectal cancer, such as red, processed, and high-calorie meats, and to learn not to overeat. It's also important to quit smoking, which increases your risk of colorectal cancer and other cancers, and to stop drinking alcohol.

Also, if your calcium intake is low, supplementing with calcium may have a positive effect on colorectal cancer prevention, according to Professor Kim.

“Some studies have shown an increased incidence of colorectal cancer in patients with low calcium intake,” she said. “So, supplementing with calcium may help prevent colorectal cancer.”