Colorectal Cancer and Diet: Why the Mediterranean Diet Triumphs Over the Western Diet

In recent years, there has been a growing body of evidence suggesting that the Western diet can have detrimental effects on a person’s health. Characterized by high levels of saturated fats, sugars, and additives, the Western diet has been linked to an increased risk of various chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, and cardiovascular disease. A particularly concerning finding from the Teagasc Food Research Centre in Ireland highlights an association between the Western diet and an elevated risk for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer. This link is likely due to the negative impact that the Western diet has on the gut microbiome, a complex community of microorganisms residing in the digestive tract that plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health.

The Mediterranean diet, on the other hand, has been shown to be effective in managing conditions like IBD, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Researchers have compared six diets from around the world to examine their health benefits and risks, selecting these diets because they represent a spectrum from healthy to unhealthy. The Western diet, characterized by a high consumption of processed foods, saturated fats, and red meat, with a low intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, disrupts the balance of the gut microbiome. This disruption can lead to inflammation and the growth of harmful bacteria, which are factors that contribute to the development of colorectal cancer.

One of the significant ways the Western diet contributes to colorectal cancer risk is through the consumption of red meat. When red meat is digested, it leads to the production of trimethylamine in the liver. Trimethylamine is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and certain cancers, including colorectal cancer. The Mediterranean diet, in contrast, promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria and reduces harmful ones, thereby improving the composition of the gut microbiome. This diet increases the production of short-chain fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and protect against heart disease and obesity.

The anti-inflammatory effects of the Mediterranean diet are another critical factor in its ability to boost the immune system and manage chronic diseases. Doctors should use these findings to emphasize to their patients that diet can be a valuable tool for improving health and preventing disease. The impact of diet in early life on long-term gut health and disease risk requires further study, but current evidence strongly supports the benefits of the Mediterranean diet over the Western diet. The Western diet’s disruption of the gut microbiome balance underscores the importance of understanding the connection between diet and overall health.

Another concerning trend is the dramatic increase in colon cancer rates among young adults over the past 30 years. Studies have consistently shown a rise in colon cancer rates in people under 50, with a groundbreaking study revealing that those born between 1981-1996 have a higher risk of colon cancer compared to those born in the 1950s. More recent studies have shown a 2% annual increase in colon cancer rates for individuals under 50, prompting healthcare organizations to change their recommendations for colon cancer screening to begin at age 45 instead of 50.

The rise in colon cancer rates among young adults is alarming, and the scientific community is working diligently to understand the underlying causes. A 2022 study linked the consumption of ultra-processed foods to an increased risk of colon cancer, with men and women who consumed high amounts of processed foods found to have a higher risk. The consumption of meat, poultry, and seafood was also associated with an increased risk. Additionally, the Salk Institute found that high-fat diets could alter the gut microbiome and increase susceptibility to cancer, further implicating the Western diet in the rise of colon cancer rates among young adults.

Obesity rates have also increased dramatically over the past 30 years, with nearly 2.5 billion adults considered overweight in 2022, a significant increase from 1990 when only 25% of adults were overweight. This rise in obesity is another factor that may contribute to the increasing rates of colon cancer among young adults. More research is needed to fully understand the rise in colon cancer rates and how to address it, but raising awareness and educating populations about the link between diet and cancer risk is crucial.

Encouraging regular colon cancer evaluations and screenings among young adults is essential for early detection and treatment. Efforts at the community and systemic levels are needed to promote healthier lifestyles and access to healthier foods. By fostering open and thoughtful discussions, we can connect people and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for everyone.

The Western lifestyle, characterized by a diet high in fat and sugar, has been linked to chronic inflammation, which can lead to colon cancer. Researchers have identified crypt stem cells as the cells-of-origin of intestinal cancer, and the top-down morphogenesis of colorectal tumors is discussed as a way that cancer can form. The acquisition of stem-cell-like properties can lead to intestinal tumorigenesis, and non-stem cell lineages are also considered as an alternative origin of intestinal tumorigenesis, particularly in the context of inflammation.

The Western diet is linked to inflammation and can negatively affect the immune system, triggering innate immune reprogramming. Variation in cancer risk among tissues can be explained by the number of stem cell divisions, and the incidence of young-onset colorectal cancer is a growing concern. The clinicopathological characteristics of early-onset colorectal cancer highlight the importance of updating our understanding of this disease and its risk factors.

Researchers studying the explosion of colon cancers in young people have made profound discoveries about the impact of diet on the gut microbiome and overall health. They found that a diet high in fat and sugar, known as the Western diet, increases the risk of colon cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. By contrast, a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits and vegetables is effective in managing conditions like cardiovascular disease and IBD. Healthcare professionals can use this information to develop targeted nutritional therapies for better public health outcomes.

The rise in early-onset cancer is more aggressive and less responsive to treatment, making it a leading cause of cancer deaths in men under 50 and the second leading cause in women. The number of diagnoses in younger patients has doubled since 1995, with advanced disease rates increasing by 3% annually. Diagnosis and treatment may be delayed due to the assumption that young people are not at risk for cancer, so patients should advocate for themselves and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms.

Factors such as obesity, lifestyle choices, and environmental exposures may play a role in the increase in early-onset cancer. Excess body weight, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity contribute to almost 1 in 5 cancers. This study highlights the importance of diet in preventing disease and promoting health. Future research may focus on how to combat the rising rates of early-onset cancer, and as a society, we need to take action to reduce the impact of risk factors on our health.