Several studies have shown that regular aspirin use is effective in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer, as well as decreasing mortality in people that have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.  A new study gives more insight into the population of people that gain the most benefit from regular aspirin use. People who smoke and have a higher body weight seem to benefit the most from regular aspirin use, with colorectal cancer incidence rates being 1.98% over ten years in those who regularly used aspirin, compared to 2.95% in those who didn't. Regular aspirin use did not seem to offer as much benefit for people who follow a healthy lifestyle.

 

Colorectal cancer in people under the age of 50 is on the rise, and the risk increases with each successive birth cohort. The reason for this is multifaceted, and a variety of factors seem to contribute. Like some previous studies did, a new study linked the presence of Fusobacterium in the gut with an increased risk for colorectal cancer. Furthermore, the study also linked the increased risk with inflammation in the gut, driven by a diet high in fat and low in fiber. The increased inflammation inhibits the natural suppression of tumour cells, allowing these cells to multiply more readily.  Further research is needed before clear recommendations can be made, but a diet high in fiber appears to be helpful in reducing colorectal cancer risk, in addition to providing many other health benefits.

 

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A new study examined the effect of multivitamin supplements on colon cancer outcomes. Results seem to show that a moderate multivitamin dose, three to five tablets per week, as well as a higher dose of six to nine tablets per week, decreases both cancer-related deaths, as well as deaths from other causes, in people who had been diagnosed with colon cancer. However, a high multivitamin dose, ten or more tablets a week, increases the risk of cancer-related death by up to 60%. It is important to note that further studies need to be completed before a clear clinical recommendation regarding multivitamin use in colon cancer patients can be made.

 

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Approximately 1 in 114 people in Canada have celiac disease, an autoimmune condition that causes the body to attack itself after the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in common grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. The autoimmune attack result in damage to the cells in the small intestine, inhibiting absorption of vitamins and nutrients. Symptoms are often vague and wide-ranging, making diagnosis challenging, and unfortunately, up to 90% of cases remain undiagnosed. At this time, the only treatment for celiac disease is a lifelong adherence to a gluten free diet; though it can be challenging, sticking to a gluten free diet is crucial to minimize the risk of developing complications of untreated, or ineffectively treated, celiac disease, such as malnutrition, cancer, infertility, lactose intolerance, and other autoimmune diseases. 

 

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