Lifestyle choices condition colon and rectal cancer risk more than genetics

“For all my patients.”

— Dr. Dale

From Lifestyle choices condition colon and rectal cancer risk more than genetics 

Researchers of the Colorectal Cancer research group of Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), led by Dr. Víctor Moreno, and linked to the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), the University of Barcelona (UB) and the Epidemiology and Public Health CIBER (CIBEResp), have issued the first predictive risk model of colon and rectal cancer based on Spanish data that combines genetic and lifestyle information. Their work, published by Scientific Reports, highlights the importance of improving lifestyle to reduce the risk of colon cancer and suggests to use a combination of lifestyle and genetic information to subdivide the population into different groups according to their colon cancer risk, which would fine tune the current screening method.

"A risk model is a mathematical tool that allows us to predict who is most likely to suffer from a particular disease, in this case colon cancer," explains Dr. Moreno, head of ICO's Cancer Prevention and Control Program. In order to develop this model, the researchers used data from the 10,106 participants included in the "MCC-Spain" Spanish multicentre study, carried out collectively by researchers belonging to CIBEResp. All of them were interviewed to analyze known risk factors (diet, physical exercise, body mass index, alcohol and family history of cancer, among others) and in a subgroup of 1,336 cases of colorectal cancer and 2,744 controls a blood test was performed to detect the genetic predisposition to develop colon and rectal cancer.

With all this information, the research team concluded that lifestyle influences cancer risk more than genetics. They calculated that if a risky lifestyle choice is changed (for example, if a healthy weight is obtained), this can compensate for having 4 genetic risk predisposition points (risk alleles). "This is important considering that lifestyle, unlike genetic traits, is somewhat modifiable, while genetic susceptibility is inherited from our parents", says Dr. Gemma Ibáñez, a digestologist and first author of the study; "In fact, the items we have identified as risk markers correlate with the recommendations set by the European Cancer Code to reduce the risk of cancer."

"Today, screening for colon cancer in patients with no family history is based solely on age. If we include information about lifestyle and genetics, we could classify the population into groups of greater or lesser risk, which would allow us to offer a more personalized follow-up", adds Dr. Moreno, who is also a professor at the UB Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

At the moment, the research team that participated in the study is conducting a new study called COLSCREEN: "Personalization of the risk of colorectal cancer" to, among other things, find out about the social perception about genetic screening. "There are no studies that say what patients think about genetic tests, or whether they want to be informed of their chances of having certain diseases, and we think it is very relevant," says Dr. Ibanez. At the same time, with this new study the researchers want to evaluate the utility of the risk score system for colon cancer by applying it prospectively in the population of Baix Llobregat.

Brain Health Guide To Red Dye #40

“An interesting read about why we should avoid foods with red dye.”

— Dr. Dale

From Brain Health Guide To Red Dye #40 

See if you can figure out what the following list of foods has in common:

• Kraft barbecue sauce
• Lasagna Hamburger Helper
• Del Monte fruit salad
• Nacho Cheese Doritos
• Welch’s Frozen Fruit Bars
• Duncan Hines Homestyle Vanilla Frosting
• Schweppes diet ginger ale
• Lipton Instant Ice Tea – Natural Lemon Flavor
• Maraschino Cherries

Besides being an unhealthy part of the Standard American Diet, if you guessed that they all contain Red Dye #40, you’d be correct.

Horrifyingly, the food industry dumps 15 million pounds of artificial dyes into our food every year – over 40 percent of which is Red Dye #40, a petroleum-based substance. Also known as Allura Red AC, Red Dye #40 is the number one food dye used in the United States, found in most any unnaturally red foods. But you will find it in brown, blue, orange, and even white things, too. For example, without Red Dye #40, chocolate instant pudding would actually look green (because there’s VERY little real chocolate in it).

Even though there are safe and natural alternatives available, artificial food dyes are a cheap way for manufacturers to make food even brighter and more appealing when you see it on a shelf in the grocery store. Surprisingly you can find Red Dye #40 in a wide range of foods; candy, condiments, snack foods, baked goods, soda, juice, salad dressings, toothpaste, mouthwash, and even medicine, can all be artificially dyed.

Although Red Dye #40 has been approved by the FDA for use in food products and must be listed as an ingredient on labels, it has been banned at one time or another throughout Australia and most of Europe due to health concerns.

Multiple studies published in journals such as Pediatrics, The Lancet, and Journal of Pediatrics demonstrate that some children with ADHD are adversely affected by artificial food dyes. Other recent research indicates that artificial coloring and flavors, as well as the preservative sodium benzoate, can make some non-ADD kids hyperactive. Additionally, both adults and children have reported upset stomach, migraines, jitteriness, nervousness, and inability to concentrate after a high intake of Red Dye #40. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) recently released a report that says artificial food dyes pose a “rainbow of risks” including everything from allergies to cancer.

Our brain imaging also demonstrates that Red Dye #40 can dramatically affect brain function. Consider the case of Robert, a 15-year-old that was recently imaged at Amen Clinics. His parents noticed that whenever Robert ate or drank something bright red, his behavior became aggressive and hostile. He would easily cry and storm off in a huff or throw things. They brought him to Amen Clinics to confirm their suspicions that he was reacting to these food additive.

As can be seen on this teen’s SPECT scan, his brain showed remarkable overall increased activity with exposure to Red Dye #40. In the images, blue equals average activity; red equals the top 15% of brain activity; white equals the top 8%.

Once they removed Red Dye #40 from his diet, his behavior improved dramatically. Robert’s mother strongly believes that their experience is not a unique one and that Red Dye #40 should be completely banned from our food supply.

Knowing that you are what you eat, no discussion about changing your diet for health can miss the importance of eliminating this substance!

At Amen Clinics, we want to help you learn more about your brain and how you can make it better, not only for yourself, but for the generations that follow. Call us today at 888-922-9710 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

“March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Read about how you can prevent Colorectal Cancer, and how you can spread the word.”

— Dr. Dale

From Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the United States and the second leading cause of death from cancer. Colorectal cancer affects people in all racial and ethnic groups and is most often found in people age 50 and older.

The good news? If everyone age 50 and older were screened regularly, 6 out of 10 deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented. Communities, health professionals, and families can work together to encourage people to get screened.

How can Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month make a difference?

We can use this month to raise awareness about colorectal cancer and take action toward prevention. Communities, organizations, families, and individuals can get involved and spread the word.

Here are just a few ideas:

• Encourage families to get active together – exercise may help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
• Talk to family, friends, and people in your community about the importance of getting screened for colorectal cancer starting at age 50.
• Ask doctors and nurses to talk to patients age 50 and older about the importance of getting screened.

How can I help spread the word?

We’ve made it easier for you to make a difference. This toolkit is full of ideas to help you take action today. For example:

• Add information about colorectal cancer to your newsletter.
• Tweet about Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
• Host a community event where families can be active while learning about local health resources.
• Add this Web badge to your website.