Khaberni - Recent data revealed a significant knowledge gap among the public about one of the risk factors related to colon cancer, despite the accumulation of scientific evidence over the past years.
According to a report published by ScienceDaily, quoting a survey conducted by the "Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine", about half of Americans are unaware that consuming processed meats is linked to an increased risk of colon and rectal cancer.
The survey included 2202 adults and showed that awareness can change quickly, as about two-thirds of participants supported placing warnings on these products after learning about the risks.
Increased risk among younger age groups
Experts warn that this lack of knowledge comes at a time when the disease is seeing a noticeable rise, even among those under 50 years old, where it has become one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in this group.
The survey also indicated that only about one person in three received information from health specialists about the relationship between diet and colon cancer, reflecting shortcomings in awareness within the health system itself.
On the other hand, evidence confirms that changing dietary patterns can make a clear difference in reducing risks.
Impact of diet and lifestyle
Studies indicate that vegetarian diets are associated with up to a 22% lower risk of colon cancer compared to traditional diets.
Fiber intake also plays a pivotal role, as data showed that people who consume high amounts of fiber have up to a 72% lower chance of developing polyps in the colon, a stage that may precede cancer.
Research clarifies that every additional daily intake of 10 grams of fiber may reduce the risk of contracting by about 10%, thanks to its role in improving bowel movement and reducing the retention of harmful substances inside the digestive system.
In addition to this, maintaining a healthy weight and regular physical activity are associated with further reduced risks. Despite the strength of these results, researchers emphasize that most of them are based on observational studies, which means they clearly show an association but do not conclusively prove a direct causal relationship.
These findings highlight the importance of enhancing dietary awareness, not only among individuals but also within daily medical practices, helping with early prevention of one of the most common cancers.
