A significant study from Zhejiang University School of Medicine reveals how certain foods and drinks affect the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC).

This research, part of the extensive UK Biobank study and published in the “Nutrients” journal, involved over 118,000 participants, who shared their dietary habits through online questionnaires.

Scientists analyzed 139 dietary factors and their impact on the risk of developing CRC. In a mean follow-up of 12.8 years in this long-term study, scientists identified alcohol and white bread in the spotlight for increasing CRC risk.

The study points out, “Ethanol in any type of alcoholic beverage is a known risk factor for CRC because its first metabolite, acetaldehyde, has been evaluated as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research.”

Similarly, the risk from white bread aligns with earlier studies, emphasizing the protective role of whole grains against cancer.

“Notably, whole grains are a major source of many vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals that have anti-cancer properties and may influence CRC risk through several potential mechanisms,” the authors wrote.

In contrast, the study identified six beneficial dietary elements – fiber, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, and carbohydrates – which appear to reduce CRC risk. This highlights the significant role of a balanced diet in lowering cancer risk and the importance of making healthy food choices.

The scale and methodology of the study add to its significance. Dr. Misagh Karimi, a medical oncologist not directly involved in the research, comments on its importance: “This study also stands out because of its size and design. It involved a large sample population of 500,000 middle-aged people, a long follow-up period and a comprehensive assessment of dietary factors.”

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However, he also notes the study’s limitation to a European population and suggests further research across diverse groups for broader applicability.

Erin Palinski-Wade, a registered dietitian not involved in the study told Fox News Digital, “These results make sense, as diets rich in simple sugars along with excessive alcohol can increase cancer risk, especially for those who carry an increased genetic risk of developing cancer.”

“However, it is important to remember that this research shows association, not causation,” she said.

Palinski-Wade also pointed out key elements to take away from the study in terms of white bread and alcohol consumption.

Commenting on white bread, she said, “fiber reduces the risk of colorectal cancer, consuming a diet low in fiber can increase risk, not the white bread itself.”

As for alcohol, “we do not know what other lifestyle behaviors those consuming alcohol regularly in this research engaged in,” she said.

She Palinski-Wade made clear that it is not one specific food that exacerbate or mitigate your risk of cancer.

“One specific food, such as white bread, will not make or break your health,” she said. “The overall nutrition quality of your full diet, day after day, will have the biggest impact.”

These insights are particularly relevant given the prevalence of colorectal cancer. It’s the third most common cancer among U.S. adults, with over 150,000 new cases expected in 2023, according to the American Cancer Society.

Notably, while older adults have seen a drop in rates, younger people under 50 have experienced an increase since the mid-1990s.

The study is an affirmation of the need for a diet rich in whole foods and fiber and to be cautious with alcohol consumption and to take everything in moderation.

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