Diet and colon polyp risk in African Americans Free

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Adenomas, known as colon polyps are known precursors for colorectal cancer. Several epidemiological studies show that lifestyle factors such as diet can influence adenoma formation and growth. We conducted a pilot study of men and women undergoing colonoscopies to examine the relationship between selected dietary factors and risk for colon polyps in a sample of African Americans. In a case-control design, 186 men and women (53 cases and 133 controls) with a mean age of 58 years (range 29-81 years) were studied. Descriptive statistics revealed that 44.6% of the study participants were married; 21% were college graduates or baccalaureate degree; 38.2% were former smokers; 18.3% took aspirin at least 3 days/week; 18.8% had a 1^st and 2^nd degree relative with colon cancer; 44.6% were obese (BMI>30 kg/m²); 58% did not exercise; and 38% currently drink alcohol. Food groups examined were fruits, green vegetables, beans, grains, fried foods, milk, learn red meats, calcium rich foods, cheese, seafood, and fatty red meats. A multiple logistic regression model was used to adjust for potential confounding variables (i.e. physical activity, aspirin, family history, body weight) and to determine those factors that influence colon polyp risk. Study results revealed that consumption of beans, split peas, or legumes was negatively associated with risk for polyps (OR=0.620; 95% CI: 0.415-0.928) whereas age (OR=1.071; 95% CI: 1.007, 1.140) and smoking (OR=7.824; 95% CI: 1.589-38.524) were positively associated with increased risk for polyps. Our findings support research that show increased consumption of beans, peas, or legumes to be protective. These foods are good sources of phytochemical compounds and dietary fiber which are believed to contain nutrients that may have a role in reducing polyp formation or growth, thereby decreasing colorectal cancer risk.