Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Lifestyle and colorectal cancer: A case-control study

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine Aims and scope

Abstract

A case-control study has been conducted to investigate the relationship between lifestyle and risk of colorectal cancer. Cases are one hundred patients diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer in Tokai University Hospital between 1986 and 1994. Three controls per case were individually matched by age, sex, local areas and date of health checkups at the Automated Multi-phasic Health Testing and Services (AMHTS ) Center of the hospital. The results were analyzed by multi-factorial logistic regression models. Positive history of maternal cancer, large consumption of alcohol, frequent consumption of potato products and white-collar job were predominant risk factors while frequent intake of seaweed was a protective factor. Frequent intakes of dairy foods and lack of exercise showed no significant tendency to increase risk of colorectal cancer. Smoking habits, intakes of meat and egg were shown not to be related to this disease. These findings suggest that family history of cancer and dietary factors play a key role in causation and prevention of colorectal cancer.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Vital statistics of Japan. Tokyo, Statistics and Information Department, Minsters’ Secretariat, Ministy of Health and Welfare. 1993; 1: 247–75.

  2. Haenszel W, Locke FB, Segi M. A case-control study of large bowel cancer in Japan. Natl Cancer Inst 1980;64:17–22.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Tominaga S. Recent trends in cancer in Japan and the world. Jpn J Cancer Chemother 1995;22:1–8.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Austoker J. Screening for colorectal cancer. BMJ 1994;309:382–6.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Gupta TP, Silverman AL, Desai TK, Luk GD. Prevention of colon cancer in primary care practice. Prim Care 1989;16:157–75.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Crucitti F, Sofo L, Ratto C, Merico M, Ippoliti M, Crucitti P, et al. Colorectal cancer. Epidemiology, etiology, pathologensis and prevention. Rays 1995;20:121–31.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Kotake K, Koyama Y, Nasu J, Fukutomi T, Yamaguchi N. Relation of family history of cancer and environmental factors to the risk of colorectal cancer: a case-control study. Jpn J Clin Oncol 1995; 25:195–202.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Polednak AP. Knowledge of colorectal cancer and use of screening tests among higher-risk persons. J cancer Educ 1990;5:115–24.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Levin KE, Dozois RR. Epidemiology of large bowel cancer. World J Surg 1991;15:562–7.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Tuyns AJ, Haelterman M, Kaaks R. Colorectal cancer and the intake of nutrients: oligosaccharides are a risk factor, fats are not. A case-control study in Belgium. Nutr Cancer 1987;10:181–96.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Graham S, Marshall J, Haughey B, Mitdeman M, Swanson M, Zielezny M, et al. Dietary epidemiology of cancer of colon in Western New York. Am J Epidemiol 1988; 128:490–503.

    Google Scholar 

  12. West DW, Slattery ML, Robison LM, Schuman KL, Ford MH, Mahoney AW, et al AW. Dietary intake and colon cancer: sex and anatomic site-specific associations. Am J Epidemiol 1989;130:883–94.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Heilrun LK, Nomura A, Hankin JH, Stemmermann GN. Diet and colorectal cancer with special reference to fiber intake. Int J Cancer 1989:44:1–6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Wynder EL, Reddy BS, Weisburger JH. Environmental diaetary factorsin colorectal cancer. Some unresolved issues. Cancer 1992;70(Suppl):1222–8.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Schiffman MH. Epidemiology of fecal mutagenicity. Epidemiol Rev1986:8:92–105.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Kinlen LJ. Meat and fat consumption and cancer mortality: A study of strict religious orders in Britain. Lancet 1982; 1:946–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. La Vecchia C, Negri E, Decarli A, O’Avanzo B, Gallotti L, Gentile A, et al. A case-control study of diet and colo-rectal cancer in northern Italy. Int J Cancer 1988;41:492–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Kune GA, Kune S, Read A, MacGowan K, Penfold C, Watson LF. Colorectal polyps, diet, alcohol, and family history of colorectal cancer:a case-control study. Nutr Cancer 1991; 16:25–30.

    Google Scholar 

  19. Nagengast FM, Grubben MJ, van Munster IP. Role of bile acids in colorectal carcinogenesis. Eur J Cancer 1995; 31A:1067–70.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Gerhardsson de Verdier M, Hagman U, Peters RK, Steineck G,Overvik E. Meat, cooking methods and colorectal cancer: a case referent study in Stockholm. Int J Cancer 1991;49:52–5.

    Google Scholar 

  21. Giovannucci E, Ascherio A, Rimm EB, Colditz GA, Stampfer MJ,Willett WC. Physical activity, obesity and risk for colon cancer and adenoma in men. Ann Intern Med 1995;122:327–34.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Gerhardsson de Verdier M, Romels A, Lundberg M. Alcohol and cancer of the colon and rectum. Eur J Cancer Prev 1993; 2:401–8.

    Google Scholar 

  23. Olsen J, Kronborg O. Coffee, tobacco and alcohol as risk factors for cancer for cancer and adenoma of the large intestine. Int J Epidemil 1993:22:398–402.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Wu AH, Paganini-Hill A, Ross RK, Henderson BE. Alcohol, physical activity and other risk factors for colorectal cancer: a prospective study.Br J Cancer 1987;55:687–94.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Inoue M, Tajima K, Hirose K, Hamajima N, Takezaki T, Hirai T, et al. Subsite-specific risk factors for colorectal cancer: a hospital-based case-control study in Japan. Cancer Causes Control 1995;6:14–22.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Macqart-Moulin G, Riboli E, Cornee J, Charnay B, Berthezene P, Day N. Case-control study on colorectal cancer and diet in Marseilles. Int J Cancer 1986;38: 183–91.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Potter JD, McMichael AJ. Diet and cancer of the colon and rectum: a case-control study. J Natl Cancer Inst 1986;76: 557–69.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Meyer F, White E. Alcohol and nutrients in relation to colon cancer in middle-aged adults. Am J Epidemiol 1993;138: 225–36.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Sabater-Pons A, Saiz-Sanchez C, Cortes-Vizcaino C, Gil-Mary A,Gonzalez JI. [Investigation of various risk factors associated with colorectal cancer by studying cases and controls]. Rev Esp Enferm apar Dig 1989;75:340–4.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Hinohara H. The new textbook of health education. Yokohama:Life Science Center, 1992.

    Google Scholar 

  31. Simpson PK. Artificial Neural Systems. New York: Pergamon Press, 1990.

    Google Scholar 

  32. Dvorchik I, Subotin M, Marsh W, McMichael J, Fung JJ. Performance of multi-layer feedforward neural networks to predict liver transplantation outcome. 1996; Meth Inform Med,35: 12–8.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Sackett DK, Haynes RB, Guyatt GH, Tugwell P. Clinical Epidemiology (Second Edition). Boston: Little Brown and Company, 1991.

    Google Scholar 

  34. Cannon-Albright LA, Skolnick MH, Bishop DT, Lee RG, Burt RW.Common inheritance of susceptibility to colonic adenomatous polyps and associated colorectal cancers. N Engl J Med 1988;319: 533–7.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Blum HE. Colorectal cancer: Future population screening for early colorectal cancer. Eur J Cancer 1995;31A: 1369–72.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Iwma T, Mishima Y. Mortality in young first-degree relatives of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. Cancer 1994;73:2065–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Petersen GM. Genetic epidemiology of colorectal cancer. Eur J Cancer 1995;31A:1047–50.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Haenszel W, Kurihara M. Studies of Japanese migrants. 1. Mortality from cancer and other disease among Japanese in the United States. J Natl Cancer Inst 1968;40:43–68.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Hill MJ, Drasar BS, Hawkswonh G, Aries V, Crowther JS, Willams RE. Bacteria and aetiology of cancer of large bowel. Lancet 1971;16:95–100.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Van Munster IP, Nagenast FM. The role of carbohydrate fermentation in colon cancer prevention. Scand J Gastroenterol Suppl 1993;200:80–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Steinmetz KA, Potter JD. Vegetables, fruit, and cancer, II.Mechanisms. Cancer Causes Control 1991;bd2:427–42.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Cordain L, Latin RW, Behnke JJ. The effects of an aerobic running program on bowel transit time. J Sports Med 1986;26:101–4.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Koffler KH, Menkes A, Redmond RA, Whitehead WE, Pradey RE,Hurley BF. Strength training accelerates gastrointestinal traisit in middle-aged and older men. Med Sci Sports and Exercise,1992;24:415–9.

    Google Scholar 

  44. Kadyrova RK, Shakieva RA. Dynamics of changes in the lipid composition of bile in patients with alimentary obesity during treament. Ter Arkh 1986; 58:79–82.

    Google Scholar 

  45. Thune I, Lund E. Physical activity and risk of colorectal cancer in men and women. Br J Cancer 1996;73:1134–40.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Lauterburg BH, Bilzer M. Mechanisms of acetaldehyde hepatotoxicity.J Hepatol 1988;3:384–90.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  47. Holdstock DJ, Misiewicz JJ, Smith T, Rowlands EN. Propulsion (mass movements) in the human colon and its relationship to meals and somatic activity. Gut 1970; 11:91–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Levitt MD, Doizaki W, Levine AS. Hypothesis: metabolic activity of the colonic bacteria influences organ injury from ethanol. Hepatology 1982; 2:598–600

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  49. Hill MJ. Bile acids and colorectal cancer: hypothesis. Eur J Cancer 1991; 1:69–72.

    Google Scholar 

  50. Kadlubar FF, Butler MA, Kaderlk KR, Chou HC, Lang NP.Polymorphisms for aromatic amine metabolism in humans: relevance for human carcinogenesis. Environ Health Perspect 1992;93:69–74.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  51. Steinmetz KA, Potter JD. Food-group consumption and colon cancer in the Adelaide Case-control study. I. Vegetables and fruit. Int J Cancer 1993;53:711–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. Benito E, Obrador A, Stiggelbout A, et al. A population- based case-control study of colorectal cancer in Majorca. I. Dietary factors. Int J Cancer 1990;45:69–76.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. Steinmetz KA, Kushi LH, Bostick RM, Folsom AR, Potter JD.Vegetables, fruit, and colon cancer in the Iowa women’s health study. Am J Epidemiol 1994:139:1–15.

    Google Scholar 

  54. Kune S, Kune GA, Watson LF. Case-control study of dietary etiologic factors: the Melbourne colorectal cancer study. Nutr Cancer 1987; 9: 21–42.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  55. Kearney J, Giovannucci E, Rimm EB, et al. Diet, alcohol, and smoking and the occurrence of hyperplastic polyps of the colon and rectum (United States). Cancer Causes Control 1995;6:45–56.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. Phillips RL, Snowdon DA. Dietary relationships with fatal colorectal cancer among Seventh-Day Adventists. J Natl Cancer Inst 1985;74:307–17.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  57. Steinmetz KA, Potter JD. Food-group consumption and colon cancer in the Adelaide Case-control Study. II. Neat, poultry, seafood, dairy foods and eggs. Int J Cancer 1993;53:720–7.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  58. Funahashi K. On the approximate realization of continuous mapping of neural networks. Neural Networks 1989:2:183–192.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  59. Xue H, Tatsumi N, Park K, Shimizu M, Wachi T. A neural network system for diagnosing MDS among macrocytic anemia. Japan J of Med Inform 1996;16: 209–14.

    Google Scholar 

  60. Yana K, Mizuta H, Kawachi K, et al. Decision support for psychiatric diagnosis based on a simple questionnaire. Meth Inform Med 1997;36:349–51.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical Informatics, School of Medicine, Tokai University, Bohseidai, Isehara, 259-1193, Kanagawa, Japan

    Yuan Ping, Yoichi Ogushi, Yoshikazu Okada & Yasuo Haruki

  2. Department of Community Health, Division of Community Health and Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, Tokai University, Isehara

    Isao Okazaki

  3. The Automated Multi-phasic Health Testing and Services Center, Tokai University Hospital, Isehara

    Tetsuhei Ogawa

Authors
  1. Yuan Ping
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Yoichi Ogushi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Yoshikazu Okada
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Yasuo Haruki
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Isao Okazaki
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Tetsuhei Ogawa
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Ping, Y., Ogushi, Y., Okada, Y. et al. Lifestyle and colorectal cancer: A case-control study. Environ Health Prev Med 3, 146–151 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02931705

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02931705

Keyword

Search

Navigation