- Colorectal cancer is highly treatable in its early stages, but most cases are discovered at an advanced stage.
- Between 7% and 29% of people treated for colorectal cancer experience recurrence within 5 years.
- Certain lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, can help prevent colorectal cancer.
- Researchers recently found that adding navy beans, also known as kidney beans, to the diets of colorectal cancer survivors can help improve the gut microbiome, potentially helping to both prevent and treat cancer. I discovered something.
Colorectal cancer affects the large intestine, including the colon and rectum. 3rd most common cancer In the world.
Colon cancer is very expensive
However, colorectal cancer does not always show symptoms in its early stages. Only about 3-4 out of 10 people
When colorectal cancer is successfully treated, recent studies show that despite improved treatments;
Although it is impossible to completely prevent colorectal cancer, past studies have shown that colorectal cancer occurs regularly.
Now, researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have found that adding navy beans, also known as kidney beans, to the diets of colorectal cancer survivors can help improve the gut microbiome and help prevent cancer. They found that treatment could be useful for both.
Other dried beans, peas, and lentils also have nutritional profiles that may stimulate the gut microbiome, but Dr. Carrie Daniel McDougallsaid the study’s lead author, associate professor of epidemiology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Today’s medical news She was especially inspired by
“These studies, including my own, also Polyp prevention test (PPT),” said Dr. Daniel McDougall.
“This large study showed that participants whose bean consumption increased the most on a daily or near daily basis had a lower risk of recurrence of advanced colorectal adenomas. “They are a type of precancerous, high-risk polyp that have a very high chance of progressing to cancer if they are discovered quickly during a colonoscopy and not completely removed,” she continued.
“At the time of the PPT, pinto, navy, and black beans were the most commonly consumed beans, and their popularity varied by region of the United States. Here in Texas, white beans were also ‘new’ to participants. “We knew that because of its mild and adaptable taste, it would be suitable to test in a controlled and consistent manner over eight weeks,” she added.
Dr. Daniel McDougall says it’s important for colorectal cancer survivors to have a balanced gut microbiome because the gut microbiome directly interacts with the colonic epithelium, where colorectal cancer develops. Stated.
“This ‘crosstalk’ between human cells and microbes is closely linked to the immune system, which can prevent or promote inflammation and the development and progression of cancer,” she continued.
“Survivors who have overcome the difficult journey of cancer certainly want to avoid other serious debilitating health problems,” added Dr. Daniel McDougall.
“Colorectal cancer recurrence, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic diseases share a common cluster of modifiable risk factors related to diet, obesity, and inflammation, with the gut microbiome playing a central role. We are fulfilling our mission.”
— Dr. Carrie Daniel McDougall
Previous studies have also shown an important role for the gut microbiome in colorectal cancer. A study published in July 2023 suggested that the gut microbiome may be a target for infectious diseases.
According to a study published in June 2020,
For the study, Dr. Danielle McDougall and her team recruited 55 men and women aged 30 and older who had a history of intestinal lesions, a history of colorectal cancer, and/or were at high risk for precancerous polyps. Study participants were randomly selected. 48 participants (87% completed the study).
For eight weeks, participants were asked to either follow their usual diet or add one cup of organic, canned, pressure-cooked white kidney beans to their diet each day.
Navy beans health benefits
“Kidney beans are rich in dietary fiber and are an excellent source of plant protein. They especially contain multiple prebiotics, or microbiota-stimulating nutrients, such as oligosaccharides and the amino acid lysine. Navy Beans It also contains other anti-inflammatory micronutrients and antioxidants, such as the flavonoid apigenin.”
— Dr. Daniel McDougall
Researchers found that participants who consumed white kidney beans daily experienced positive changes in their gut microbiome. These changes include:
“While some doctors may feel comfortable having conversations with patients about living a healthier lifestyle, exercising, eating more fruits and vegetables, and eating less red and processed meat, “This is a population that is less likely to come up in the conversation and may be difficult to sell to patients who have a history of intestinal pathology or intestinal problems,” said Dr. Daniel McDougall.
“Through the results of this trial and other supporting evidence, beans will become a regular topic in these conversations, and more doctors and patients will be encouraged to consider whole foods for their far-reaching impact on health. I hope they start considering the value,” she added.
MNT I also talked to Dr. Anton BilchikJohn, a surgical oncologist, medical director, and director of the gastrointestinal-hepatobiliary program at St. John’s Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, California, spoke about the study.
Dr. Bilchik said there are between 2 trillion and 3 trillion bacteria in the human body, and there is substantial evidence that these bacteria play an important role in preventing both cancer and cardiovascular disease. said they felt this research was very important and relevant.
“We have good bacteria and potentially bad bacteria. So if we can stimulate the good bacteria and influence the immune system and prevent cancer and cancer recurrence through diet, “It will be very important,” he stressed.
Dr. Bilchik also said that given the vast amount of new information about bacteria and how diet affects them, it’s essential for doctors to talk to colorectal cancer patients about gut health. .
Processed foods and colon cancer
“For example, it is well known that patients who consume processed foods, red meat, (and) burnt meat have a higher incidence of colorectal cancer. It is also well known that other foods, such as processed foods, have harmful bacteria. The fact that there are healthy foods that can stimulate bacteria to prevent cancer and prevent cancer recurrence is very important. is important.”
— Dr. Anton Bilchik
“Therefore, diet and nutrition become a very important part of the discussion, not only for the prevention of colorectal cancer, but also for patients who have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer and are undergoing treatment to prevent the possibility of recurrence. “It should be,” the doctor said. . Bilchik added.