Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States; an estimated 28,000 women with colorectal cancer will die in 2005. However, there may be hope yet:
Researchers conducted a study that linked a high dietary intake of vitamin B6 over time with a decreased risk of colorectal cancer in women.
Oddly, women who consumed moderate to large amounts of alcohol -- along with the right amount of vitamin B6 -- reduced their odds of developing colorectal cancer by more than 70 percent, while low vitamin B6 intake increased them.
Vitamin B6: A Ray of Hope
Researchers analyzed a study of some 67,000 women, ages 40-75, to assess the relationship between long-term dietary vitamin B6 intake from food sources and colorectal cancer risk. Participants responded to a questionnaire that implored data regarding diet, family history of colorectal cancer and the use of dietary supplements.
And while increased vitamin B6 consumption was found to reduce colorectal cancer risk, it did not rule out the importance of regular screenings (especially for individuals 50 and over).
Moreover, the recommended daily dietary intake of vitamin B6 for non-pregnant women in the United States is 1.3-1.5 mg. Vitamin B6 -- found in fortified cereals, beans, meat, poultry, fish and some fruits and vegetables -- performs a wide variety of functions in the body, including:
Gastroenterology February 23, 2005 (Free Full-Text Article)
Science Daily June 5, 2005
Colon cancer is the second most common cancer and is also one of the easiest to prevent and treat. It typically grows very slowly and is very responsive to screening programs. However, the best screening program in the world does not beat all out prevention through elimination of the risk factors.
Interestingly, this study also found that the increased B6 consumption was most helpful in women who were drinking larger amounts of alcohol. While the study did not examine this, it is easy to speculate that alcohol consumption may be another risk factor for colon cancer by increasing your need for vitamin B6.
So if you are dependent on alcohol, please understand that popping a B6, or even a pyridoxal 5 phosphate, supplement will not magically reduce your risk of colon cancer. This study showed that the reduction was present in those who consumed B6 from foods, not supplements.
Other Colon Cancer Prevention Tips
Be wary of fiber. Interestingly, this may actually increase your risk of colon cancer. This is quite surprising to someone who was known as Dr. Fiber in medical school.
Avoid processed meats. The evidence seems fairly clear on this one. From my perspective, the less cooked the meat the better. I personally generally do not cook my meat as I believe that the cooking, not the actual meat, produces most of the health risks associated with it.
Exercise.
Eat vegetables.
Get regular sunshine to raise your vitamin D levels.
Eat enough omega-3 fats.
Lose weight if necessary.
Have your doctor check your C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and take steps to lower them if necessary.
Maintain normal iron levels.
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