zongze Jiang

M.D.

Sichuan University

resident doctor

PLCO (Learn more about this study)

PLCO-949

Mar 22, 2022

A comprehensive evaluation of the association between behavioral and dietary factors and colorectal cancer incidence and mortality

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States, with approximately 147,950 individuals diagnosed with CRC and 53,200 deaths from the disease in 2020. Genetic and environmental factors are considered to play vital roles in the carcinogenesis of colorectal cancer, however, more than one-half of all cases and deaths are attributable to modifiable risk factors, such as smoking, an unhealthy diet, high alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and excess body weight, and thus potentially preventable.
Diet has an important role in the development of colorectal cancer. In the past few decades, findings from extensive epidemiologic and experimental investigations have linked consumption of several foods and nutrients to the risk of colorectal neoplasia. Calcium, fiber, milk, and whole grain have been associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer, and red meat and processed meat with an increased risk. There is substantial evidence for the potential chemo-preventive effects of vitamin D, folate, fruits, and vegetables. Nutrients and foods may also interact, as a dietary pattern, to influence colorectal cancer risk. Diet likely influences colorectal carcinogenesis through several interacting mechanisms. These include the direct effects on immune responsiveness and inflammation, and the indirect effects of over-nutrition and obesity—risk factors for colorectal cancer. Dietary modification, has the promise of reducing colorectal cancer incidence.
Therefore, we plan to perform a systematic evaluation of dietary and behavioral factors associated with colorectal cancer incidence and survival, using the data from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial. The findings of our research might be helpful to provide suggestions for cancer prevention.