Why do people get colorectal cancer?

A large number of studies have shown that an unhealthy lifestyle is the real culprit of colorectal cancer. As of 2011, 56.5% of colorectal cancers in China could be attributed to a variety of unhealthy lifestyle risk factors.

1. Sit out - always sitting for a long time

A study published in the British Journal of International Epidemiology in September 2017 found that people who sit for long periods of time in their offices have an increased risk of colorectal cancer by about 44%, while proper exercise can reduce the risk of rectal cancer and colon cancer.

The reason is self-evident. Sitting for a long time slows down intestinal motility and poor blood circulation in the abdominal cavity, pelvic cavity, and lumbar sacral region, which undoubtedly increases the risk of colorectal cancer.

2. Eating too much greasy food

The Chinese Dietary Guidelines recommend that the intake of edible oil is 25-30 grams per person per day, while the current level in my country is around 42 grams per person per day.

However, a study published in the American medical journal Cell found that a high-fat diet is like a "fuel" for intestinal cancer. Adenomas are common in the human intestine, and it usually takes decades for adenomas to grow and turn into malignant adenocarcinomas. However, adenomas in mice quickly turn into cancer after consuming a high-fat diet.

3. Smoke it out - smoking and secondhand smoke

The World Health Organization's report "The Body Under the Effects of Tobacco" mentioned that among the various chemicals that make up tobacco, at least 70 are known to cause cancer. Smokers have a much higher risk of developing the following cancers than non-smokers, including colorectal cancer.

4. Lack of food - Insufficient intake of whole grains, fruits and vegetables

One pound of vegetables and half a pound of fruit is not enough. According to data released by the Chinese Nutrition Society at the 2019 National Nutrition Week, in 2012, the average daily vegetable intake of urban and rural residents in my country was 269.4 grams, and the fruit intake was 40.7 grams.

In addition, many people only eat white flour buns and rice every week, and rarely take in whole grains. However, in many studies, dietary fiber in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

Therefore, the most important thing to prevent colon cancer is to change bad living habits!