Research presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting in Chicago suggests that a diet promoting lower inflammation might help individuals with advanced colon cancer live longer. This is quite encouraging, as it implies that even in later stages, some patients may influence their outcomes.
Dr. Kimmie Ng, an author of the study and an associate chief at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, shared that patients often inquire about what they can do to enhance their chances of survival. Ng’s study analyzed the dietary habits of 1,625 adults who had stage 3 colon cancer—meaning their cancer had spread to nearby lymph nodes but not to other body parts.
According to the American Cancer Society, with standard treatment—which typically includes surgery and chemotherapy—around 75% of these patients usually live at least five years post-diagnosis. However, the new findings suggest that diet could play a role in these survival rates.
Dr. Sara Char, Ng’s co-author and a clinical fellow at Dana-Farber, noted the unique nature of colon cancer, as it directly relates to digestion. What we eat inevitably impacts the colon. The patients in this research all received similar treatment; they underwent surgery followed by three to six months of chemotherapy and filled out dietary questionnaires during and after treatment. They were tracked for a five-year period.
The results showed that individuals consuming a diet rich in ultraprocessed foods and high levels of sugar and saturated fats had an alarming 87% increased risk of death from their disease compared to those whose diets were less inflammatory. On the other hand, a less-inflammatory diet tended to be more plant-focused, including leafy greens, carrots, and beverages like coffee and tea.
Real-world examples
Cancer centers employ dietitians to assist patients in maintaining proper nutrition during treatment. Heather Greenlee, medical director of integrative medicine at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, mentioned that chemotherapy might lead to side effects like difficulty swallowing and diminished appetite. After concluding treatment, patients might still require guidance to adopt dietary changes that could enhance their long-term survival.
According to Greenlee, many patients struggle to find sustainable ways to make dietary changes. She runs the Cook for Your Life program at Fred Hutch, aimed at supporting cancer survivors. She emphasized the importance of large studies revealing potential benefits from lifestyle adjustments in dealing with hard-to-treat cancers.
Her recommendations include incorporating more beans, broccoli, and other high-fiber foods into meals—simple changes that could have a positive impact.
Exercise boost
In addition to diet, the study highlighted the benefits of physical activity. Those who consumed diets least likely to promote inflammation and engaged in the equivalent of brisk walking for at least an hour three times a week experienced a 63% lower risk of death from any cause throughout the five-year follow-up.
Another study presented at the same meeting revealed that regular exercise was associated with a 28% lower risk of cancer recurrence, new cancer diagnosis, or death. Each year, over 150,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, as noted by the American Cancer Society.
Dr. Julie Gralow, chief medical officer of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, remarked on the significance of healthy lifestyle choices, underscoring that they might be just as beneficial—if not more so—than many medications following a cancer diagnosis.
