Roberto C. Iglesias: Colon Cancer Prevention Beyond Supplements and Vitamins
Roberto C. Iglesias, General, MIS, and Trauma Surgeon; Partner at Evansville Surgical Associates, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Patients ask me all the time which supplement protects their colon. The honest answer surprises them.
Several popular options have been tested in randomized trials for preventing colon polyps (the growths that can turn into cancer):
- Calcium and vitamin D: a large trial found no reduction in polyps. Later follow up linked calcium to more of one polyp type (serrated polyps).
- Folic acid: didn’t reduce polyps, and there was a hint of more advanced ones.
- Fish oil (EPA): didn’t lower the share of people who developed polyps.
- Daily aspirin: U.S. guidelines no longer recommend it for colon cancer prevention, mainly because of bleeding risk. The exception is people with a genetic condition called Lynch syndrome, where their doctor may recommend it.
What actually works:
1. Screening starting at 45. Finding and removing polyps is the most powerful prevention we have. A home stool test counts, but if it’s positive, you need the colonoscopy.
2. Fiber from real food. Large studies link about 10% lower colon cancer risk for every extra 10 g of fiber a day.
3. Less processed meat. The WHO’s cancer agency classifies processed meat as a cause of colon cancer.
4. No smoking, less alcohol, and a healthy waistline.
And bleeding, a change in bowel habits, or anemia at any age isn’t a screening question. Call your doctor.
When was your last colon screening? Tell me in the comments, or tag someone who turns 45 this year.
Education only, not medical advice. Talk with your own doctor.
Source in first comment.”
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