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Colon cancer: a civilization disorder.
Alastair J M Watson1, Paul D Collins
1Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK. alastair.watson@uea.ac.uk
Digestive Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 8, 2011
Summary
Colorectal cancer risk is influenced by lifestyle factors like diet, obesity, and smoking, particularly in Western societies. Understanding these environmental impacts and molecular pathways is key to prevention and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
- Genetics
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence varies geographically, with higher rates in Western countries.
- Most CRC cases (>95%) are sporadic, linked to acquired genetic changes and environmental risk factors.
- Western lifestyle factors, including diet, obesity, and smoking, are significant contributors to CRC development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the environmental risk factors associated with colorectal cancer.
- To explore the molecular pathogenesis of colorectal cancer.
- To understand how environmental factors influence molecular pathways in CRC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiological and molecular studies on colorectal cancer.
- Analysis of risk factors including diet (fat, alcohol, red meat, fiber, fruits, vegetables), obesity, exercise, and smoking.
- Examination of molecular pathways involved in CRC, such as genomic instability, tumor suppressor gene inactivation (APC, p53, TGF-β), and oncogene activation (K-ras, COX-2, EGFR, VEGF).
Main Results:
- Dietary factors, particularly high fat, alcohol, and red meat consumption, are strongly associated with increased CRC risk.
- Obesity and smoking are recognized risk factors, while exercise and high intake of fruits, vegetables, and fiber may be protective.
- CRC pathogenesis involves genomic instability, inactivation of tumor suppressor genes, and activation of oncogenic pathways.
Conclusions:
- Environmental and lifestyle factors play a substantial role in colorectal cancer development, especially in Westernized populations.
- Dietary habits represent the most significant environmental contribution to CRC risk.
- Understanding the interplay between environmental exposures and molecular mechanisms is crucial for CRC prevention and therapeutic strategies.
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