Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is a multi-factorial disease, with both genetics and environmental factors coming into play. Many researchers also believe that interactions between diet, the intestinal microflora and the cells in the lining of the colon are important in the development of colon cancer. Unfavorable changes in the intestinal microflora, sometimes caused by changes in the diet, may increase the risk for developing colon cancer. Although the evidence is not conclusive and much further research is required, probiotics may modulate several major intestinal functions potentially associated with the development of colon cancer.
Studies have been conducted on the impact of regular consumption of probiotics and the amount of time certain carcinogens spend in the colon
(Meance et al., 2001). Additionally, animal and laboratory studies have also been performed on the effect of probiotics on DNA damage in colon cells and on their binding capacity to carcinogenic compounds, rendering them less harmful
(Saikali et al., 2004). Finally, some animal studies have explored probiotics' impact on the premalignant changes in cells caused by a high-fat diet
(Saikali et al., 2004;
Bouvier et al., 2001). Overall, however, few prospective human studies have been performed on the relation between the consumption of probiotic containing product and colon cancer
(Saikali et al., 2004). A large clinical study is currently underway in the European Union to investigate the effect of probiotics on colon cancer. .
Introduction
Colon Cancer
