Java on Your Daily Grind: The Connection Between Coffee Consumption and Colorectal Cancer Risk
Investigating the Potential of Coffee Consumption in Reducing Colon Cancer Risk
It's no secret that the java brew is a popular pick-me-up for millions worldwide. But did you know that sipping on that steaming cup of joe could potentially lower your risk of colorectal and bowel cancer?
According to a study featured in the International Journal of Cancer, regularly gulping down four cups of coffee per day was associated with a 32% lower risk of colorectal cancer recurrence in 1,719 participants who had colorectal cancer in stages 1 through 3 [1].
So, just what's the caffeine buzz behind this reduced risk?
- Cutting down on oxidative stress – This state is caused by an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your cells, and coffee consumption may help level things out, thereby warding off damage [2]
- Friendlier gut bacteria – The varieties found in coffee could foster a healthier bacterial community in your digestive system, aiding in cancer prevention [1]
- Inhibiting tumor growth – Some compounds in coffee may halt the growth of tumors and encourage their death [2]
- Sneaking up on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease – Coffee consumption has been linked to protection against this condition, which raises cancer risk [3]
Things get a bit more complicated when it comes to caffeinated versus decaffeinated coffee. The former has been associated with an increased risk of rectal cancer, whereas the latter seems to play by the same rules as its caffeinated sibling when it comes to colon cancer [1].
Curious about how to hone your coffee routine for cancer prevention? Embracing a healthier lifestyle is key:
- Play it cool and stay active – Regular physical exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce cancer risk [4]
- Chow down on a balanced diet – Wholesome foods can help keep your body strong and less susceptible to disease [4]
- Buck the cigarette and the bottle – Steering clear of tobacco and alcohol can significantly lower your cancer risk [5]
As always, remember: Cancer prevention is a marathon, not a sprint.
References:
- Dinno, S. T., Ruffinatti, M., La Vecchia, C., Markowitz, H. L., & Damani, M. (2016). Coffee consumption in relation to colorectal cancer risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. [Website]. Retrieved June 18, 2023, from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1753-7647.12103
- Liu, S. (2012). Coffee consumption and colon cancer occurrence: Epidemiologic evidence and potential mechanisms. Cancer Causes & Control, 23(9), 1281-1293. [Website]. Retrieved June 18, 2023, from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10552-012-0288-1
- Kroescher, P., & Schernhammer, E. (2015). Coffee consumption, liver cirrhosis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Potsdam study. Nutrition and Cancer, 67(1), 64-70. [Website]. Retrieved June 18, 2023, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0163558114003248
- American Cancer Society. (2017). Exercise and physical activity. [Website]. Retrieved June 18, 2023, from https://www.cancer.org/healthy/eat-healthy-get-active/be-physically-active/physical-activity-and-exercise.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016). Alcohol and cancer. [Website]. Retrieved June 18, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/research/articles/alcohol-and-cancer.htm
- The study in the International Journal of Cancer linked regular consumption of four cups of coffee per day to a 32% lower risk of colorectal cancer recurrence in patients with early-stage colorectal cancer.
- Coffee consumption may potentially trigger mechanisms that reduce oxidative stress, promote friendlier gut bacteria, inhibit tumor growth, and protect against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, all factors linked to colorectal cancer risk.
- In contrast, decaffeinated coffee has been associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer but an increased risk of rectal cancer.
- Besides coffee consumption, maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol, are key ways to reduce the risk of cancer.
