Many studies have found a correlation between nutrition and cancer, but the underlying processes of this association are still poorly understood. A new study has found a link between one diet and colon cancer that has to do with microbes.

There is evidence that a good diet plays a significant role in cancer prevention and survival. This is especially true of colon cancer, which is frequently induced by an unhealthy diet. A new study says that one way of eating may cause colon cancer is by altering the bacteria in the gut.

The link between the Western diet and colon cancer may be caused by the microbiota in the gut, says a new study.

The results support earlier studies that linked the condition to a Western-style diet high in processed meat, sugar, refined grains, and carbs.

“These findings support our hypothesis that Western-style diets increase colorectal cancer risk through its effects on pks E.coli,” says Shuji Ogino, the study’s corresponding author.

“This is the first study to link the Western diet with specific pathogenic bacteria in cancer. Our next question is which component of western-style diet and lifestyle relates to colorectal cancer containing this bacterial species.”

Researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital came to this conclusion after looking at information from more than 134,000 people.

Dietary patterns were analyzed alongside the DNA of E.coli strains isolated from over a thousand cases of colorectal cancer.

The study’s main goal was to find bacterial strains with a specific enzyme called polyketide synthase (pks).

It has previously been demonstrated that this enzyme can alter human cells, which is a crucial component of cancer.

The researchers discovered that the Western diet was linked to colorectal tumors with high levels of pks+E. coli but not to tumors with low to nil levels of the bacteria.

According to the American Cancer Society, eating a lot of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains has been associated with a lower chance of developing colon or rectal cancer.

“Also, eat less red meat (beef, pork, or lamb) and processed meats (hot dogs and some luncheon meats), which have been linked with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.”

Researchers have hypothesized many reasons for the link between processed meat and cancer.

One culprit is heterocyclic amines (HCAs), a result of meat exposed to high temperatures.

According to Harvard Health, “HCAs may play a role, but since high levels can also be present in cooked chicken, they are unlikely to be the whole explanation.”

Preservatives, in particular nitrates, are another possible offender in the case of processed meats.

However, fresh meat does not contain these preservatives.

A more prudent nutritional strategy can include eating more vegetables, fruits, fish, legumes, and complete grains.

Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer, is regarded as “hidden cancer” because it rarely causes symptoms in the early stages.

Men are equally affected by the condition, typically after the age of 50.

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