5 ‘killer’ foods that can cause bowel cancer

Rectal cancer is the gastrointestinal cancer with the highest incidence. The disease is closely related to diet and lifestyle. According to GLOBOCAN 2020, this type of cancer ranks 4th in new incidence rate and 5th in cancer mortality rate. Each year, Vietnam records about 16,000 new cases and about 8,000 deaths.

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Deputy Director of the Institute of Digestive Surgery, Central Military Hospital 108, said that to reduce the risk of rectal cancer, food choice is very important. Limiting consumption of foods that cause inflammation and damage the lining of the digestive tract can help reduce the risk of developing rectal cancer.

Here are foods to avoid or limit in your diet to protect digestive health:

Red meat and processed meat

Red meat (beef, pork, lamb) and processed meat (sausage, bacon, ham) are rich sources of saturated fat, nitrites and nitrates – compounds that can be metabolized. into nitrosamine, a carcinogen, when exposed to high temperatures during processing. According to research from the World Health Organization (WHO), regular consumption of red and processed meat is associated with an increased risk of rectal cancer.

Therefore, red meat consumption should be limited to less than 500 g per week. Replace red meat with healthier protein sources like fish, skinless poultry, beans and nuts; Avoid eating processed meats such as sausage, bacon, and ham.

Foods that are fried and contain a lot of fat

Fried foods, especially at high temperatures, contain a lot of trans fats and saturated fats, which can cause inflammation of the intestinal lining, increase the risk of digestive diseases and can lead to the development of diabetes. of rectal cancer.

Minimize the consumption of fried foods such as French fries, fried chicken, and foods high in fat. Instead, choose healthier cooking methods like steaming, boiling, grilling or sauteing with little oil.

Sweets and foods high in refined sugar

Foods high in refined sugar can cause weight gain, obesity, and create conditions for chronic inflammation, thereby increasing the risk of developing rectal cancer. Furthermore, consuming too much sugar not only increases the risk of metabolic diseases such as diabetes but also affects intestinal health and the digestive system.

You should limit your consumption of sweets such as candy, sugary drinks, soft drinks and carbonated drinks. Replace refined sugar with natural sugar sources such as honey, fresh fruit, and unsweetened fruit juice.

Food contains many preservatives and additives

Processed and canned foods often contain many preservatives, chemical additives and colorings, which can damage the intestinal lining and increase the risk of developing cancer. Some preservatives such as nitrites and nitrates in processed foods can be converted into carcinogenic compounds when processed at high temperatures. You should prioritize using fresh, organic foods that do not contain preservatives.

Wine and alcoholic beverages

Regular alcohol consumption can damage the lining of the digestive tract and increase the risk of rectal cancer. According to WHO, alcohol can cause inflammation, damage DNA and promote the growth of cancer cells.

World experts recommend that men should not drink more than two glasses of wine a day and women should not drink more than one glass. Replace alcohol with healthy drinks like fruit juice, water, or herbal tea.

To reduce your risk of developing rectal cancer, maintain a nutrient-rich diet and choose healthy fresh food sources. Combining a healthy lifestyle and reasonable diet will help protect the digestive system and prevent cancer.