In recent times, numerous news broadcasts and online articles have reported an alarming increase in cancer incidence among individuals under the age of 50. A significant recommendation for early detection and prevention that has gained prominence advises individuals below the age of 50 to undergo colonoscopy screenings. This is exemplified by a campaign in the Chicago area, where billboards from a healthcare system proclaim, “45 is the New 50 – Schedule Your Colonoscopy Today.”
Upon reviewing scholarly articles and statements from esteemed healthcare institutions and professionals, it has become evident that there is no consensus on the definitive cause behind the surge in colon cancer cases among younger populations. Some healthcare professionals note the paradox of diagnosing fit individuals, who adhere to healthy diets, with colon cancer. This situation underscores the complexity of identifying a singular causative factor.
I delved into the available literature and discovered that a substantial body of research suggests that between 10-15% of chronic diseases (including cardiac-related diseases, Type II Diabetes, and Cancer) may be attributed to genetic or environmental factors, such as pollution and herbicides. However, dietary and lifestyle choices are believed to play a more significant role, accounting for 85% or more of these conditions. It is imperative to recognize that the majority of the leading chronic illnesses in the United States are preventable, and in numerous instances, reversible.
Therefore, it emerges from the data that dietary habits are the most influential factor. Decades of research advocate for a whole-food, plant-based diet, low in fat, as a critical preventative measure against chronic diseases. Below, I have included links to several resources for further examination and consideration.
The challenge of adopting and maintaining a whole-food, plant-based diet is often cited as inconvenient or labor-intensive. However, when contrasted with the potential consequences of chronic illnesses—such as undergoing extensive surgeries, enduring chemotherapy, receiving stents, initiating dialysis, and facing numerous medical appointments and prescription medications—the effort to adhere to such a diet seems significantly less daunting.
While no approach offers guarantees, the analogy of a whole-food, plant-based diet to a seatbelt in a vehicle is apt. Though accidents may still occur, the likelihood of surviving a crash is markedly improved with the usage of a seatbelt. Similarly, a whole-food, plant-based diet substantially enhances one’s odds against chronic diseases.
Nonetheless, despite the compelling evidence, it remains a challenge to persuade everyone of the benefits of adopting such dietary practices, akin to the ongoing struggle to ensure consistent seatbelt usage among all drivers and passengers.
References
1. Dizon DS, Kamal AH. Cancer statistics 2024: All hands on deck. CA Cancer J Clin. 2024. doi:10.3322/caac.21824
2. Burnett-Hartman AN, Ton M, He Q, et al. Dietary factors differ between young-onset and older-onset colorectal cancer patients. Nutr Cancer. 2024. doi:10.1080/01635581.2024.
3. Norat T, Lukanova A, Ferrari P, Riboli E. Meat consumption and colorectal cancer risk: dose-response meta-analysis of epidemiological studies. Int J Cancer. 2002;98(2):241-256. doi:10.1002/ijc.10126
4. Chan DS, Lau R, Aune D, et al. Red and processed meat and colorectal cancer incidence: meta-analysis of prospective studies. PLoS One. 2011;6(6):e20456. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.
5. Lane M, Gamage E, Du S, et al. Ultra-processed food exposure and adverse health outcomes: umbrella review of epidemiological meta-analyses. BMJ. 2024; 384:e077310. doi:10.1136/bmj-2023-077310
6. Tammi R, Kaartinen NE, Harald K, et al. Partial substitution of red meat or processed meat with plant-based foods and the risk of colorectal cancer. Eur J Epidemiol. Published online January 23, 2024. doi:10.1007/s10654-024-01096-7
6. Farvid MS, Sidahmed E, Spence ND, Mante Angua K, Rosner BA, Barnett JB. Consumption of red meat and processed meat and cancer incidence: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies. Eur J Epidemiol. 2021;36(9):937-951. doi:10.1007/s10654-021-00741-9
7. Huang Y, Cao D, Chen Z, et al. Red and processed meat consumption and cancer outcomes: Umbrella review. Food Chem. 2021;356:129697. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.
8. Tripathi P, Kadam N, Sharma B, et al. Effectiveness of an intensive lifestyle modification program on type 2 diabetes remission in Indian population. Diabetes. 2023;72(Supplement_1):1790–
9. Hanick C, Peterson CM, Sabaté J, et al. 551-P: Effects of a plant-based intensive lifestyle intervention in adults with type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial. Diabetes. 2022;71(1):551–P. doi:10.2337/db22-551-P
10. Barnard ND, Cohen J, Jenkins DJ, et al. A low-fat vegan diet and a conventional diabetes diet in the treatment of type 2 diabetes: a randomized, controlled, 74-wk clinical trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009;89(5):1588S-1596S. doi:10.3945/ajcn.2009.26736H
11. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PII0140-6736(90)91656-U/fulltext
12.https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/30/health/dean-ornish-lifestyle-study-alzheimers-wellness/index.html