Colorectal cancer survivors research
As part of our CUP Global work, we have released a new report that summarises the latest research on diet, nutrition, physical activity and body weight for people living with and beyond colorectal cancer.
The report also provides guidance for people living with and beyond colorectal cancer.
On this page
Background
Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer globally, accounting for 1 in 10 new cases in 2022.
Progress in early detection and treatment has significantly increased the number of years lived after a diagnosis. Although survival rates differ between countries, there are an estimated 5m people worldwide who are living with or beyond a colorectal cancer diagnosis.
There is increasing demand for reliable, evidence-based guidance on diet and physical activity from health professionals and people living with and beyond cancer.
Evidence
Our research team at Imperial College London carried out a comprehensive analysis investigating the extent to which certain modifiable risk factors impact mortality (cancer-specific and all-cause), risk of cancer recurrence and health-related quality of life in people after a colorectal cancer diagnosis.
Three systematic reviews were carried out, covering different exposures:
- diet
- physical activity and sedentary behaviour
- body weight
In total, data from 174 publications were analysed and an independent panel of experts graded the strength of the evidence from each review using our pre-determined criteria, to give a final evidence judgement for each exposure.
How we judge the evidence
Understand our criteria by which we evaluate the material we gather
Summary of our guidance
This represents the evidence and corresponding guidance for each exposure
General guidance
Our recommendations for cancer prevention
Nutritional factors and physical activity appear to predict outcomes in people living with and beyond cancer, but there is insufficient evidence that changing these improves outcomes.
We suggest that people consider following as many of our cancer prevention recommendations as they are able to.
New specific guidance on physical activity
Physical activity
People who are more physically active have better health outcomes after a diagnosis of colorectal cancer, but it is uncertain whether increasing physical activity will improve these outcomes.
We suggest that people consider increasing their physical activity. However, physical activity should be increased under the supervision of health care professionals.
Note: It may be particularly important for any increases in physical activity to be gradual, particularly for patients suffering from side- effects of their treatment surgery, or medication that may restrict their ability to be physically active, such as neuropathy or musculoskeletal issues.
New specific guidance on diet
Wholegrains
People who eat more wholegrains have better health outcomes after a diagnosis of colorectal cancer. But it’s uncertain that increasing wholegrains improves these outcomes.
We suggest that people consider increasing their wholegrain intake.
Note: Some patients may report difficulty consuming or digesting wholegrain foods following their treatment. This may be a particular issue following colon or rectal surgery.
It’s advisable that patients who increase (or reintroduce) wholegrain foods into their diet do so gradually and as and when they can; this should be done under the supervision of a health professional, particularly after surgical intervention.
Coffee
People who consume more coffee (both caffeinated and decaffeinated) have better health outcomes after a diagnosis of colorectal cancer. But it’s uncertain that increasing coffee improves these outcomes.
We suggest that people consider increasing their coffee intake.
Note: Caffeinated coffee can have a laxative effect or cause palpitations, so it’s advisable for patients to consider this when consuming coffee, or other caffeine-containing beverages (eg black or green tea) and foods (eg dark chocolate).
Sugary drinks
People who consume less sugary drinks have better health outcomes after a diagnosis of colorectal cancer. But it’s uncertain that decreasing sugary drinks improves these outcomes.
We suggest that people consider decreasing their sugary drink intake.
Experts we work with
We collaborate with world-renowned experts to assess every aspect of CUP Global