Role of Physical Activity and Diet After Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis

Abstract

This review summarizes the evidence regarding physical activity and diet after colorectal cancer diagnosis in relation to quality of life, disease recurrence, and survival. There have been extensive reports on adiposity, inactivity, and certain diets, particularly those high in red and processed meats, and increased risk of colorectal cancer. Only in the past decade have data emerged on how such lifestyle factors are associated with outcomes in colorectal cancer survivors. Prospective observational studies have consistently reported that physical activity after colorectal cancer diagnosis reduces mortality. A meta-analysis estimated that each 15 metabolic equivalent task-hour per week increase in physical activity after colorectal cancer diagnosis was associated with a 38% lower risk of mortality. No randomized controlled trials have been completed to confirm that physical activity lowers risk of mortality among colorectal cancer survivors; however, trials have shown that physical activity, including structured exercise, is safe for colorectal cancer survivors (localized to metastatic stage, during and after treatment) and improves cardiorespiratory fitness and physical function. In addition, prospective observational studies have suggested that a Western dietary pattern, high carbohydrate intake, and consuming sugar-sweetened beverages after diagnosis may increase risk of colorectal cancer recurrence and mortality, but these data are limited to single analyses from one of two US cohorts. Additional data from prospective studies and randomized controlled trials are needed. Nonetheless, on the basis of the available evidence, it is reasonable to counsel colorectal cancer survivors to engage in regular physical activity and limit consumption of refined carbohydrates, red and processed meats, and sugar-sweetened beverages.

Pattern and Distribution of Colorectal Cancer in Tanzania: A Retrospective Chart Audit at Two National Hospitals

“…Studies with diverse populations showed that physically active individuals, especially lifelong adherents, are at a lower risk for CRC, an effect which was independent of other risk factors (i.e., diet and body weight) [35, 36]. Different types of physical activity, even a relatively moderate level of activity (i.e., walking fast for one hour daily), can reduce risk of colon cancer [37].…”

658 Marine Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Intake and Survival After Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis

“…[1] Substantial evidence indicates that dietary and lifestyle factors influence the likelihood of developing CRC, [2] but whether these risk factors impact survival of CRC remains largely unknown. [3] Understanding the role of modifiable indicators for prognosis is crucial to inform clinical practice and counseling to improve survival outcomes after cancer diagnosis. [4] Marine omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs), namely eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), have been shown in laboratory studies to suppress tumor growth and angiogenesis, possibly through modulation of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase (PTGS) activity, alteration of cell surface receptor function, and regulation of gene expression.…”

The Importance of the World Health Organization Sugar Guidelines for Dental Health and Obesity Prevention

“…In addition to dental caries and body weight, excessive sugar consumption from foods and beverages high in added sugars has been associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes [de Koning et al, 2011], cardiovascular diseases [Malik et al, 2010;Yu et al, 2018;Keller et al, 2014] cancers [Fuchs et al, 2014;Van Blarigan, and Meyerhardt, 2015;Port et al, 2012] as well as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [Wijarnpreecha et al,2016]. In addition, emerging research suggest that diet high in sugars may increase the risk of developing dementia such as Alzheimer disease Pase et al, 2017].…”