Does Inflammation Predict Colon Cancer?

[Guest guest]

http://mercola.com/2004/feb/18/inflammation_colon_cancer.htm

 

 

Does Inflammation Predict Colon Cancer?

 

 

 

A study conducted over an 11-year period showed that people with higher levels

of C-reactive protein (CRP) in their blood were more likely to develop

colorectal cancers than those with low levels of CRP. CRP is a marker of

inflammation circulating in the blood. Higher levels of CRP are already

associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and,

now, colon cancer.

 

 

 

Researchers studied records of almost 23,000 adults who had participated in a

study that started between May and October 1989, looking to identify those who

developed colon or rectal cancer. At the time the study was conducted, the

participants provided blood samples and completed questionnaires. Since then,

the participants have been given additional questionnaires and tracking data.

 

 

 

Researchers found 172 participants who drew blood, up until December 2000, were

diagnosed with either colon or rectal cancer. Of those, 131 had colon cancer and

41 had rectal cancer. They also noted that medium levels of CRP were higher

among people who had developed colon cancer than among those who remained

healthy and disease free.

 

 

 

However, by contrast, CRP levels were not significantly different between

patients who developed rectal cancer than those who remained disease free.

 

 

 

As stated in the article, the study also found that:

 

 

The odds of developing colorectal cancers increased progressively with higher

concentrations of CRP. Overall, people in the highest fourth of CRP had twice

the risk of developing colorectal cancer, and 2.5 times the risk of developing

colon cancer, as those in the lowest fourth.

 

 

Among nonsmokers, those in the highest fourth of CRP were 2.5 times as likely to

develop colorectal cancer, and 3.5 times as likely to develop colon cancer, as

those in the lowest fourth.

 

 

Those who had taken either aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents

within the 48 hours prior to blood draw had a reduced risk of colorectal cancer.

 

 

(Note: I don't believe this above portion about anti-inflammatory againts on the

face of it. I think that nutrient antioxidents would be much more beneficial and

much better over an extended period. Frank)

 

 

The association of inflammation with colon cancer was unrelated to diabetes,

going against the belief that diabetes acts as the mediator between inflammation

and cancer risk.

 

 

Researchers believe the link between chronic inflammation and colon cancer must

be further explored before C-reactive protein is confirmed as a risk predictor.

 

EurekAlert! February 3, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

( Inflammation has been known to be a trigger for cancer for many, many years. I

also would not buy the argument that Vitamin D is the main or only protective

factor here, although I do believe that D is part of an overall nutrient synergy

needed. Frank)

 

 

 

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

 

Colon cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in

the United States. About 55,000 Americans die from the disease each year. It has

been estimated that about 105,500 new cases of colon cancer (49,000 men and

56,500 women) and 42,000 new cases of rectal cancer (23,800 men and 18,200

women) have been diagnosed in 2003. It is also considered one of the most

preventable types of cancer, as there are several dietary factors that appear to

play a protective role.

 

Optimizing vitamin D levels is one of them as this has been found to be

essential for reducing colon cancer. It is one important nutrient, and the best

way to get it is by exposing your skin to sunshine. Virtually everyone in the

United States would benefit from taking cod liver oil at this time of year when

there is not much sun.

 

Many of you know that I test vitamin D blood levels on all my patients. I highly

encourage and recommend that you have your doctor do this widely available test.

At this time of year most people living in the United States do not have optimal

levels of vitamin D. It is important to know that not only does this increase

your risk for colon cancer, but also your risk of far more common cancers like

breast and prostrate cancers.

 

However, please understand that it is possible to overdose on vitamin D, so in

order to ensure that you levels are within the optimal range, you should monitor

your blood vitamin D levels.

 

Here are some more of the main proven preventive courses for colon cancer:

 

Exercise

Fresh raw vegetables

Vitamin D

Omega-3 fats

Avoid sugar

Maintain ideal body weight

Maintain normal iron levels

 

Related Articles:

 

Why Vitamin D Protects You Against Cancer

 

Calcium Decreases Colon Cancer Risk

 

Sunlight Actually Prevents Cancer

 

Colon Cancer Screening Needed Less Than Every 5 Years

 

Vitamin D for Cancer

 

Decrease Bowel Cancer Risk By Eating Less

 

 

 

 

 

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