Could coffee consumption potentially reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer?
Drinking coffee might not be the massive game-changer some hope it is when it comes to colorectal and bowel cancer, according to the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF).
A recent study in the International Journal of Cancer revealed that knocking back four cups of coffee each day could, potentially, reduce the risk of colorectal cancer recurrence by 32%. But let's proceed with caution: this research included a relatively small participant pool of 1,719 individuals with colorectal cancer in stages 1 through 3.
The study reveals that coffee might lower colorectal cancer risk by:
- cutting down on oxidative stress
- boosting gut bacteria
- hindering tumor growth
- guarding against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
It's worth mentioning that the WCRF has also reported findings suggesting that coffee drinkers could have a lower risk of colorectal cancer than those who abstain. However, a massive Swedish study involving 61,000 women found no association between coffee intake and the risk of total colorectal cancer, concluding that coffee neither boosts nor lowers the risk of this disease [1].
It's interesting to note that there seems to be a difference between caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee: caffeinated coffee appears to have a higher risk of rectal cancer, but not colon cancer. This discrepancy indicates that our bodies might process the two types of coffee differently [1].
So, to help stave off colorectal cancer, consider:
- engaging in regular physical activity
- sticking to a nutritious diet
- abstaining from tobacco and alcohol use
As for the rumors that coffee could aid in cancer prevention, there isn't strong, conclusive proof – especially for colorectal and rectal cancers [2][3]. Thus, don't count on coffee to shield you from bowel cancers, and instead focus on the tried-and-true prevention methods mentioned above.
Want to learn more? Check out these articles:
- Can coffee cause cancer?
- Cancer-fighting foods to reduce cancer risk
- Diet and cancer risk: What to know
- The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) suggests that coffee may potentially lower the risk of recurrence for colorectal cancer by 32%, but this finding is based on a relatively small study pool.
- The International Journal of Cancer study finds that coffee might reduce colorectal cancer risk by decreasing oxidative stress, boosting gut bacteria, inhibiting tumor growth, and protecting against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
- While the WCRF has reported coffee drinkers may have a lower colorectal cancer risk than abstainers, a large Swedish study found no association between coffee intake and total colorectal cancer risk.
- Coffee consumption might impact colorectal cancer risk differently between caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, with caffeinated coffee possibly having a higher risk of rectal cancer, but not colon cancer.
