Summary:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a global public health concern as its prevalence is increasing. CRC is the third most common cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related death. Asia, in particular China, has the highest number of cases according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer’s analysis of the WHO database. The objective of this review was to analyze existing evidence concerning the correlation between dietary factors and CRC in the Asian population. A total of 35 articles met the inclusion criteria and were used for this analysis. The findings indicated that typical western dietary pattern such as a diet high in meat and alcohol exhibited a positive correlation with increased CRC risk. Conversely, the intake of fruits, vegetables, and home-cooked meals was linked to a lowered risk of CRC.
Abstract:
This review aimed to map current evidence on the association between dietary factors and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk in Asia. This review was conducted based on Arksey and O’Malley methodological framework. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) flow diagram was used to record the review process. For the purpose of searching for articles, three electronic databases namely PubMed, EBSCOHost and ScienceDirect were employed. The inclusion criteria for articles selection were articles with association analysis between diet and CRC risk among Asians, had adults as participants, articles were written in English, open-accessed and published between years 2009 and 2021. Thus, 35 out of 369 screened articles were eventually included in this review which covered 28 case-control studies, six prospective cohort studies and one randomised clinical trial. Foods such as meats, alcohol and westernised diet have been shown to be associated with increase of CRC risk while fruits, vegetables and traditional meals decreased the risk of CRC. Only a few interventional and dietary patterns studies were identified. Specific single foods and nutrients and dietary patterns have been found to increase the risk but also protected the Asian population against CRC. The findings of this review will guide health professionals, researchers and policy makers to conduct a suitable study design and topic for future research.
Article Publication Date: 30/06/2023
DOI: 10.21315/mjms2023.30.3.2
