A healthy lifestyle pattern has a protective association with colorectal polyps

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Preventive Medicine
• Oncology

Background:

• Colorectal cancer risk is linked to lifestyle factors like diet, obesity, and smoking.
• Current screening guidelines do not integrate these lifestyle characteristics.
• The combined impact of these factors on different types of colorectal polyps remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between a healthy lifestyle index and the presence of colorectal polyps.
• To determine which specific lifestyle components are most protective against colorectal polyps.
• To explore the potential of lifestyle factors in colorectal neoplasia risk stratification.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 788 participants aged 40-70 undergoing colonoscopy.
• Data collected included polyp histology, location, demographics, medical history, anthropometrics, and lifestyle factors.
• A healthy lifestyle index was calculated based on smoking status, weight, diet, and physical activity.

Main Results:

• A healthy lifestyle index was negatively associated with colorectal polyps (OR=0.72).
• Adherence to ≥2 healthy lifestyle components showed a strong inverse relationship with colorectal polyps (OR=0.50).
• Abstinence from smoking (OR=0.58) and a healthy diet (OR=0.61) were most strongly linked to lower polyp risk.

Conclusions:

• Adherence to a healthy lifestyle, particularly diet and non-smoking, is inversely associated with colorectal polyps.
• Healthy lifestyle components can aid in risk stratification for colorectal neoplasia.
• Lifestyle modifications represent a promising strategy for preventing colorectal polyps.