Drinking coffee may reduce colon cancer's return

[vipra kukreja]

Consuming caffeinated coffee daily is good for health as it may reduce the return of colon cancer in patients who were diagnosed with stage III of the disease.

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Center in Boston conducted the study with 1,000 patients who had undergone surgery and chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer.

During the study, researchers found out that the benefit was seen in those who drank four or more cups of coffee a day, for about 460 milligrams of caffeine. They also found that caffeine in coffee lowered the risk of recurrence and death rather than other coffee components.

"These patients were 42 percent less likely to have their cancer return than non-coffee drinkers, and were 33 percent less likely to die from cancer or any other cause," said the study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Those who drank two to three cups of coffee daily experienced a "more modest benefit, while little protection was associated with one cup or less."

Stage III disease means that the colon cancer has been found in the lymph nodes near the original tumor site, but not elsewhere in the body.

Lead author Charles Fuchs, director of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Center at Dana-Farber, said these patients have about a 35 percent chance of the cancer coming back after treatment.

Most recurrences happen within five years of treatment.

"We found that coffee drinkers had a lower risk of the cancer coming back and a significantly greater survival and chance of a cure," Fuchs said in a statement announcing the study`s findings.

Other studies have suggested that coffee may have a protective effect against postmenopausal breast cancer, melanoma, liver cancer and advanced prostate cancer.

More study is needed to confirm the study`s finding of the link between coffee and preventing colon cancer`s return.

"If you are a coffee drinker and are being treated for colon cancer, don`t stop," Fuchs said.

"But if you`re not a coffee drinker and wondering whether to start, you should first discuss it with your physician."

[ankit rathore]

wonderful posting.

[neharani]

The idea that drinking coffee might reduce the recurrence of colon cancer has been a topic of interest among researchers. Some studies have suggested that coffee consumption could have beneficial effects for patients who have been treated for colon cancer. Here’s a summary of what is currently understood: Potential Benefits of Coffee on Colon Cancer Recurrence

1. Antioxidants: Coffee is rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage by free radicals. These antioxidants may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of cancer recurrence.
2. Polyphenols: Coffee contains polyphenols, compounds that have been shown to have anti-cancer properties. They may inhibit the growth of cancer cells and prevent the spread of tumors.
3. Insulin Sensitivity: Improved insulin sensitivity, a benefit of regular coffee consumption, can lower levels of insulin and insulin-like growth factors in the blood. High levels of these factors have been associated with a higher risk of colon cancer recurrence.
4. Bile Acids: Coffee has been found to influence the composition of bile acids in the gut. Bile acids can affect the health of the colon lining, and alterations in bile acid metabolism may reduce the risk of colon cancer returning.

Supporting Studies

• Observational Studies: Several observational studies have indicated that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of colon cancer recurrence compared to non-coffee drinkers. For example, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that patients who drank four or more cups of coffee per day had a significantly lower risk of colon cancer recurrence and death.
• Animal Studies: Some animal studies have supported the protective effects of coffee compounds on colon health. These studies suggest mechanisms by which coffee might reduce cancer risk, such as influencing gene expression related to cell growth and apoptosis (programmed cell death).

Considerations and Limitations

• Caffeine Content: It’s not entirely clear whether the benefits are due to caffeine or other compounds in coffee. Decaffeinated coffee has also been associated with some of the same benefits, suggesting that non-caffeine components might play a significant role.
• Lifestyle Factors: Coffee drinkers may have other lifestyle habits that contribute to a lower risk of cancer recurrence. It's essential to consider diet, physical activity, and other health behaviors when interpreting these findings.
• Quantity and Type of Coffee: The amount and type of coffee consumed might impact its effectiveness. More research is needed to determine the optimal intake and whether certain types of coffee (e.g., espresso, filtered) offer more benefits than others.