Rectal and colon cancer

Rectal and colon cancer are very frequent malignant affections the incidence of which is constantly growing. World-wide the incidence of colorectal cancer is in the third place following the lung and breast cancer, but ahead of stomach cancer, prostatic cancer and cervical cancer. In developed countries the incidence of colorectal cancer ranks fourth, since stomach cancer is more common here. Mortality due to colorectal cancer ranks fourth among 26 monitored types of cancer diseases. Highest incidence is observed between the age of 40 – 65. The disease has a very high mortality, while in early stages it can be treated.

The exact cause of rectal and colon cancer is unknown, however, several risk factors are suspected. Among the risk factors are hyper nutrition, excess weight, some foods consumed in excess quantities (animal fats, proteins, alcohol, salt), lack of certain nutrients in the diet (fiber, fruit, vegetables, lack of vitamins, minerals and nutrients), harmful substances (mycotoxins – aflatoxin), harmful substances which may be introduced into foods during processing (products of combustion during grilling, smoking, remains of fertilizers), smoking and excessive alcohol intake play an important role as well.

In May of 2002 the indole-3-carbinol research demonstrated for the first time that the effects of this substance may reach beyond the affections of the female genital organs and prostate and may include the colon cancer. By observing the proliferation of the colon cancer cells, it has been shown that indole-3-carbinol (I3C) significantly reduced the cell proliferation in these tumors.