02. An overview on understanding the main factors involved in colon cancer and its treatment
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Abstract
Colon cancer is a leading cause of cancer related death after breast and lung cancer, in both male and female. Along with individual’s lifestyle, diet and genetics are the main factors which cause proliferation of colon cells and can lead to colon cancer. Colon cancer is mainly caused by mutation or methylation of tumor suppressor genes which results in un-controlled proliferation of cells and hence cancer. Diet plays very important role in both mutations and methylation of tumor suppressor genes so these conditions can be reversed or improved by balanced diet. In addition, certain diets also have role in cancer prevention through their anti-oxidant activity and some even induce apoptosis in colon cancer cells. Diets such as fruits, legumes, cereals, fish oil, olive oil, vitamin E supplements and probiotics etc. are gaining importance with respect to their therapeutic potential in cancer patients. Moreover, according to some reports, exercise also greatly reduces the risk of colon cancer. The present study highlights the symptoms, causes, treatment and ways to prevent colon cancer.
Keywords: Colon carcinogenesis: chemo-preventive diets, apoptosis, probiotics, proliferation, cancer