Further clinical trials focusing on adjuvant chemotherapy and immunotherapy are needed both to improve the effectiveness of current treatments and try to understand drug and immune mechanisms. Studies are also needed to determine the optimum role of radiotherapy in rectal cancer.
For Dietary Prevention of Colorectal Cancer
Recommendations
• The diet should stress high fiber and low fat.
• Increased growth rate of colon membrane cells may precede colon cancer. Chemoprevention is being tested with micronutrients—vitamins and minerals.
• A women's trial has shown a 2½ times normal risk of colon cancer when red meat (pork, beef, lamb) is eaten daily (animal fats) rather than a few times a month. (Vegetable fat was not a risk factor.)
• 1,200-2,000 mg daily calcium intake (in skim milk or substitute, food or pills) to help reduce colorectal cell growth, especially if a polyp has already been found.
• Eat the most colorful fresh fruit and vegetables, which may contain chemopreventive agents (vitamins, minerals and fiber). Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts are especially important.
