Diet recommendations for colorectal cancer prevention

Those with ulcerative colitis & Crohn’s colitis (Crohn’s disease of the large intestine) are at an increased risk for colorectal cancer (CRC) due to repeated periods of inflammation in the colon.

Factors that increase the risk for colorectal cancer in people with IBD include

• Disease duration^
• Extent and severity^
• Presence of inflammatory polyps^
• Coexistent primary sclerosing cholangitis^
• A family history of colorectal cancer^

Important note: while studies have shown that certain dietary factors increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer in the general population, no studies have been carried out specifically in people with IBD. However, given that people with IBD are at an increased risk for developing colorectal cancer, it’s important to understand the foods and eating patterns that may increase or decrease your risk.

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Dietary factors associated with an increased risk for colorectal cancer

The following foods and beverages may lead to an increase risk for colorectal cancer in the general population^{  }

• Red meat (beef, pork, lamb, bison)
• Processed meat (deli meat, bacon, hot dogs, sausages)
• Alcohol consumption
• A Westernized diet

Dietary factors associated with a decreased risk for colorectal cancer

These foods and beverages have been shown to be associated with a decreased risk for colorectal cancer in the general population^{   }

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Whole grains
• Fiber-containing foods
• Dairy
• Coffee
• A Mediterranean Diet (or diet containing primarily plant-based foods)

How to use this information

Just because a food or beverage may be associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer does not mean that you need to avoid these foods altogether. 

When researchers examine the risks associated with certain foods, they are looking at dietary patterns across a whole population. We have no research showing that consuming a single food one time increases or decreases your risk for any disease or complication. 

It’s okay to occasionally consume foods in the high risk category. It’s not what your diet looks like during a given meal or on a given day that matters, but rather what your diet looks like overall that makes the biggest difference in your health. 

Colorectal cancer screening

Talk to your doctor about your personal risk for colorectal cancer and how often you should be getting colonoscopies. Colonoscopies are essential to monitor for colorectal cancer development, so it's important not to delay them.

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