Foods and food groups associated with colorectal cancer: A case-control study

Abstract

Dietary habits act as important determinants of cancer risk and are especially associated with colorectal cancer (CRC), one of the most important diet-related types of cancer. In this regard, the main goal of the present study was to investigate the risk and protective dietary factors related with CRC in Romanian population. A case-control study was conducted from August 2015 until January 2017. Data was collected from cancer-free controls (n = 151) and CRC cases (n = 151) using a food frequency questionnaire. The questionnaire was completed during a face-to-face interview led by a trained dietitian. The results showed that intake of poultry, fish, and fibre-rich foods are inversely associated with CRC risk. Furthermore, dietary habits linked with a Western diet such as high intake of processed meat, sugar-sweetened beverages, white bread and dessert (p = 0.001) were more frequent in the CRC group.