New study uncovers shocking link between bowel cancer and pantry staple
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Disclaimer: This article cannot be considered medical advice. Remember to consult with your doctor first before starting a new diet.
For many, there's nothing quite as comforting as the smell of freshly baked bread wafting from the oven.
Whether it's spread with butter, a dollop of jam, or a scrape of Vegemite, bread has been a staple food since childhood.
However, a recent study has revealed some unsettling news for bread enthusiasts, which might just make you reconsider your daily bread intake.
According to a comprehensive study published in the Nutrients medical journal, regular consumption of white bread could significantly increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC), also known as bowel cancer.
This alarming revelation holds true regardless of genetic predispositions.
The study also identified alcohol as another contributing factor to the development of this type of cancer, adding to the already long list of its negative health impacts.
The research was conducted by a team from the Zhejiang University School of Medicine in China, who meticulously analysed the impact of 139 dietary factors on the risk of developing bowel cancer.
The study involved 118,210 participants from the UK Biobank cohort, who completed online questionnaires about their food intake.
After an average follow-up period of 12.8 years, the researchers found that both white bread and alcohol increased the risks of bowel cancer.
On a more positive note, six other vitamins and minerals—fibre, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, and carbohydrate—were found to decrease the risk of developing CRC.
The study concluded that the overall risk was influenced by a combination of genetic characteristics, diet, and lifestyle habits.
The researchers noted, 'After a mean follow-up of 12.8 years, we identified 1466 incidents of CRC among 118,210 UK participants.'
'Of these, 842 were colon cancer and 359 were rectal cancer.'
'Compared to the general population, CRC cases were more likely to be male and white, older, and less educated, and to have a higher TDI (tolerable daily intake), more family history of bowel cancer, a high BMI, less physical activity, more smoking, and a higher prevalence of diabetes at baseline.'
Dr Misagh Karimi, a colorectal cancer specialist who was not involved in the study, commented on its results, saying: 'The findings of this study reaffirm the well-established connection between lifestyle and dietary choices and the prevention of colorectal cancer.'
'These findings emphasise the critical importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle and dietary habits, which include limiting alcohol consumption and choosing a diet rich in high-fibre foods to mitigate the risk of cancer.'
While Dr Karimi praised the study for its large sample size, long follow-up period, and comprehensive assessment of dietary factors, he pointed out that the study was focused on a European population.
'To ensure the applicability of these findings to diverse populations, further studies are needed to validate these results on a wider population,' he suggested.
Bowel cancer is a significant health concern in Australia.
According to Cancer Australia, it was the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in 2018.
In 2020, bowel cancer was the second most common cause of cancer death in Australia, with 5,354 fatalities (2,847 males and 2,507 females).
The study's findings are a stark reminder of the importance of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle choices. While bread and alcohol are enjoyed by many, moderation is key to reducing the risk of health complications such as bowel cancer.
What are your thoughts on these findings, dear members? Has this changed your perspective on your dietary habits? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
For many, there's nothing quite as comforting as the smell of freshly baked bread wafting from the oven.
Whether it's spread with butter, a dollop of jam, or a scrape of Vegemite, bread has been a staple food since childhood.
However, a recent study has revealed some unsettling news for bread enthusiasts, which might just make you reconsider your daily bread intake.
According to a comprehensive study published in the Nutrients medical journal, regular consumption of white bread could significantly increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC), also known as bowel cancer.
This alarming revelation holds true regardless of genetic predispositions.
A recent study showed that regular consumption of white bread may increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Image source: Azerbaijan_stockers on Freepik.
The study also identified alcohol as another contributing factor to the development of this type of cancer, adding to the already long list of its negative health impacts.
The research was conducted by a team from the Zhejiang University School of Medicine in China, who meticulously analysed the impact of 139 dietary factors on the risk of developing bowel cancer.
The study involved 118,210 participants from the UK Biobank cohort, who completed online questionnaires about their food intake.
After an average follow-up period of 12.8 years, the researchers found that both white bread and alcohol increased the risks of bowel cancer.
On a more positive note, six other vitamins and minerals—fibre, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, and carbohydrate—were found to decrease the risk of developing CRC.
The study concluded that the overall risk was influenced by a combination of genetic characteristics, diet, and lifestyle habits.
The researchers noted, 'After a mean follow-up of 12.8 years, we identified 1466 incidents of CRC among 118,210 UK participants.'
'Of these, 842 were colon cancer and 359 were rectal cancer.'
'Compared to the general population, CRC cases were more likely to be male and white, older, and less educated, and to have a higher TDI (tolerable daily intake), more family history of bowel cancer, a high BMI, less physical activity, more smoking, and a higher prevalence of diabetes at baseline.'
Dr Misagh Karimi, a colorectal cancer specialist who was not involved in the study, commented on its results, saying: 'The findings of this study reaffirm the well-established connection between lifestyle and dietary choices and the prevention of colorectal cancer.'
'These findings emphasise the critical importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle and dietary habits, which include limiting alcohol consumption and choosing a diet rich in high-fibre foods to mitigate the risk of cancer.'
While Dr Karimi praised the study for its large sample size, long follow-up period, and comprehensive assessment of dietary factors, he pointed out that the study was focused on a European population.
'To ensure the applicability of these findings to diverse populations, further studies are needed to validate these results on a wider population,' he suggested.
Bowel cancer is a significant health concern in Australia.
According to Cancer Australia, it was the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in 2018.
In 2020, bowel cancer was the second most common cause of cancer death in Australia, with 5,354 fatalities (2,847 males and 2,507 females).
The study's findings are a stark reminder of the importance of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle choices. While bread and alcohol are enjoyed by many, moderation is key to reducing the risk of health complications such as bowel cancer.
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all these are done in different countries China, England, New Zealand ,etc what they eat, and make is different to here 
