Lifestyle modifications

NUTRITION

  • A high intake of total dietary fiber is associated with reduced colorectal mortality. For every 5g/d of increased dietary fiber intake, there was a 18% reduced risk of colorectal mortality (2)
  • Dietary calcium supplementation (1200mg) reduces polyp recurrent rate (1)
  • Vitamin B2 intake is inversely associated with risk of colorectal cancer (1)
  • Omega 3 fatty acids at recommended levels is associated with reduced risk of colon cancer (1)
  • Low levels of vitamin D is associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer (1)
  • In general it is recommended that the nutrients should come from foods rather than supplements (1)
  • Moderate to high alcohol intake is associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer compared to not drinking, by 21% and 52% (1)
  • Processed meat is a risk factor for colorectal cancer. Red meat is “probably carcinogenic” (1)

SMOKING

  • Smoking cessation is recommended as smoking is a known risk factor for development of colorectal cancer (1)
  • Risk reduction is seen with early smoking cessation (1)

References

1) https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-us/258/prevention

2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5776713/

Resources

EXPLANATION TO EVIDENCE PRESENTATION

Figure: Evidence pyramid

​Evidence based on guidelines and evidence based Clinical Decision Systems is written in BOLD font

​Evidence based on meta analysis or systematic reviews is written in BOLD and CURSIVE font

​Evidence based on randomized controlled trials is written in PLAIN font

​Evidence based on observational / cohort studies is written in CURSIVE font