Understanding the Link Between Diet and Cancer: Breast and Colon Cancer Risk Factors

• Breast cancer and colon cancer share similar dietary risk factors

In addition to smoking, eating habits, drinking, obesity, infections, and lack of exercise, genetic factors can play a 5-10% role in the onset of cancer. There are cases where people who have had colon or ovarian cancer develop breast cancer again. These cancers tend to share the same genes.

The Impact of Diet on Breast Cancer

People who eat a lot of foods containing saturated fats, such as fats from meat, fatty foods, and processed foods, over a long period of time gain weight and have a high incidence of breast cancer. Animal foods can produce more carcinogens depending on how they are cooked, such as grilled or fried.

Weight gain increases the risk of breast cancer, especially in postmenopausal women. Research has shown that for every 5-point increase in body mass index, the risk of breast cancer increases by 9-19%. On the other hand, obesity in premenopausal women reduces the risk of breast cancer. For every 5-point increase in body mass index, the risk of breast cancer decreases by about 14%.

Colon Cancer and Dietary Risk Factors

Risk factors for colon cancer include excessive consumption of animal fats and obesity. If you continue to eat foods high in animal or saturated fats, or enjoy red meats such as pork and beef, or meat products such as sausage, ham, or bacon, your risk of developing colon cancer increases. One of the causes is frequent consumption of grilled or fried meat.

Colon cancer is actually the most common cancer in Korea, with 32,751 cases occurring in 2021 alone. In the past, when side dishes were mainly made of vegetables, colon cancer was rare. However, sudden changes in eating habits, such as the craze for grilled meat and delivery food, have contributed to the increase in colon cancer cases.

The Importance of Dietary Fiber and Exercise

Meat should also be consumed to get nutrients such as protein. However, rather than overeating, it is better to eat it with fruits and vegetables that are high in dietary fiber, which reduce neutral fats and cholesterol in the body. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants such as plant bioactive substances, which inhibit the formation of cancer cells.

Physical activity is also essential. If you do not move, calories accumulate in your body, causing you to gain weight and increasing the risk of cancer. Paying attention to your diet and exercise helps prevent obesity and cancer.