Food is an ally in the prevention of bowel cancer, Simony and Preta Gil’s disease, increasingly common before the age of 50
On Tuesday 10, the singer Preta Gil, 48, communicated to her fans via Instagram that she has adenocarcinoma, a cancer in the final part of the intestine. In August 2022, 46-year-old Simony received the same diagnosis. What initially appears to be a coincidence is the reflection of a trend that the scientific community had already followed.
A study conducted in 2022 by Harvard University (USA), published in the scientific journal Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology, showed that even tumors previously commonly diagnosed in older people – such as those of the intestine, breast, stomach and pancreas – have become more frequent among patients younger than 50 years of age.
bowel cancer
Bowel cancer is cancer that develops in the large intestine, also called colon and rectal cancer. The disease can be prevented, as it almost always develops from polyps, i.e. benign lesions that grow on the wall of the intestine. According to estimates by the National Cancer Institute (Inca), Brazil is expected to register 44,000 new cases of the disease a year over the next three years, between 2023 and 2025.
While there’s no guarantee that a patient will not develop the disease, genetics is a strong ally for prevention, says Dr. Pedro Andrade, one of the pioneers of precision medicine in Brazil and passionate about functional medicine. This is because, through knowledge of genes, it is possible to take measures to silence them through lifestyle habits, especially food.
“In the case of intestinal cancer, some people have genetic alterations, with polymorphisms in the NAT1, NAT2 and GATA3 genes that are linked to the pathology. One of the factors that favor the expression of these genes, i.e. the development of the disease, is the excess of the consumption of red and processed meatsthe famous sausages, such as sausages, sausages, hams, mortadella, salami, among others”, he points out.
Prevention
Again according to the specialist, it is not necessary to have access to tests that reveal genetic information. This is because a healthier lifestyle reduces the chances of developing this type of cancer. “Preventing a disease goes far beyond the fact of undergoing regular tests, which are also important. But greater prevention is done through our daily choices, especially in relation to food,” he says.
To help prevent bowel cancer, especially for predisposed people, the specialist recommends adopting a plant-based diet. It mainly refers to the following food groups:
- Roots;
- tubers;
- Fruit;
- Greens;
- Legumes;
- oilseeds;
- Seeds.
“If there is no adaptation to the routine without animal protein, it is important to include the consumption of white and lean meats, such as chicken, fish, rabbit and duck,” he concludes.
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
