by Kelley Herring
While we'd all like to blame our poor health on genes, the truth is, most of us can't. In fact, less than 3% of all cases of colon cancer are due to genetics.
So where does the 3% come from? Two syndromes that tend to run in families: hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). HNPCC is the most common form of hereditary colon cancer and accounts for about 2% of all colon cancer diagnoses.
Although not everyone who inherits the HNPCC gene will develop colorectal cancer, the risk is very high. People with HNPCC often have at least 3 family members in 2 generations with colorectal cancer, and cancer tends to develop before age 50.
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) Syndrome is a rare genetically linked condition characterized by the presence of more than 100 benign polyps, or growths in the large intestine or colon. However, FAP only accounts for less than 1% of all colorectal diagnoses each year in the U.S. In individuals affected with either of these syndromes, colon cancer will be expressed 15-20 years earlier than in unaffected individuals.
To guard against colon cancer, focus on your lifestyle. Eat a low-glycemic diet packed with omega-3s and antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies, be sure you're getting enough folate and other DNA-protecting B vitamins, drink alcohol in moderation (if at all), and don't smoke cigarettes.
Does Your Diet Fit In Your Genes?
Probably not. And that’s a real problem.
Our genes haven’t changed much since the days of our Paleolithic ancestors. But our diet has. And the result is chronic disease.
The good news is that there are two small changes you can make to please your hunter-gatherer genes and protect your health. See p. 20 of Your Body’s Ecosystem and p. 11 of Fats That Heal, Fats That Harm to learn more.
Click here to learn more...
