Dietary patterns associated with colorectal cancer risk in the Malaysian population: a case–control study with exploratory factor and regression analysis

Abstract

Background Studies on the relationship between diet and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk using single food or nutrient approach are widely conducted as opposed to dietary pattern approach. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the major dietary patterns and their association with CRC risk among Malaysians. Methods Patients aged between 18 and 80 years old from two teaching hospitals in Peninsular Malaysia were recruited through purposive sampling. Socio-demographic information and anthropometry data were assessed before the colonoscopy procedure, and dietary intake was also recorded using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Cases were those patients having histopathologically proven CRC, while controls were those without. Results Four major dietary patterns were identified: the allergenic diet, plant-based diet, processed diet, and energy-dense diet pattern. After adjusting for potential covariates, the processed diet pattern was consistently associated with CRC (OR = 3.45; 95% CI = 1.25–9.52; P = 0.017) while the plant-based diet, energy-dense diet, and allergenic diet were not associated with CRC risk. Conclusions The processed diet pattern attributed to a diet high in confectionaries and fast foods was associated with an increased risk of CRC in the Malaysian population. In order to give prevention measures through lifestyle change, more research could be done on the effect of food patterns on faecal microbiota associated with CRC.

Understanding exposomes and its relation with cancer risk in Malaysia based on epidemiological evidence: a narrative review

“…From the same cohort of subjects, four main dietary patterns were identified: the allergenic diet, plant-based diet, processed diet, and energy-dense diet pattern. After adjusting for potential covariates, the processed diet pattern was consistently associated with CRC (OR = 3.45; 95% CI = 1.25–9.52; P = 0.017) while the plant-based diet, energy-dense diet, and allergenic diet were not associated with CRC risk [ 54 ]. Another study to associate dietary pattern with colorectal adenoma risk showed that red meat consumption showed a positive association [ 55 ].…”

Cancer and Food-Related Risks: A Review

“…Given that acrylamide, aside from its neurotoxic and reproductive toxicity, is also acknowledged as a genotoxic carcinogen either in domestic or industrial settings, has raised significant concerns 25 . Substances recognized as genotoxic carcinogens are undesirable in food and are typically addressed using the ALARA (As low as reasonably achievable) principle 26 . Conversely, for unavoidable substances, a quantitative risk assessment might offer risk managers more insightful guidance on appropriate actions.…”