Study shows losing weight could help reduce chances of colorectal cancer

This year alone, 105,000 Americans will be told they have colon cancer.

Most of these cancers start as a growth, or polyp, on the inside lining of the colon. Now, researchers say there’s more evidence that weight loss as an adult may have a significant impact on a person’s risk.

It’s one of the most critical health problems for Americans – more than two-thirds of all adults are overweight or obese.

Losing weight reduces the risk of chronic diseases, like Type 2 diabetes and some cancers.

“Our study is one of the first to suggest a benefit of losing excess weight in helping reduce colorectal polyps, which may help reduce colorectal cancer,” said cancer epidemiologist Kathryn Hughes Barry of the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Barry and her colleagues used data from 17,000 men and women in the prostate, lung, colorectal, and ovarian cancer screening trial.

The participants were aged 55 to 74.

The researchers found that for overweight or obese adults, losing just two pounds per decade decreased a person’s risk of polyps, which can develop into colorectal cancer.

“When we looked at weight loss, we found there was a 46% decreased risk of these polyps for people who lost weight,” Barry said.

The researchers say gaining about six pounds or more every five years was associated with a 30% increased risk of polyps.

Professor Barry said there are other preventive measures people can take to lower risk, including exercising regularly, eating a fiber-rich diet including whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Barry also said, “Lowering intake of red meat and processed meats, like deli meat.”

Barry also emphasized the importance of regular colorectal cancer screenings. The recommendation for most adults is to have a colonoscopy at age 45, instead of 50, unless you have a family history of colorectal cancer, in which case your doctor may recommend an even earlier screening.