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Colon Cancer Relapse Prevention Diet
Whether I have adjuvant chemotherapy or not, I want to build a colon cancer relapse prevention diet into my routine. Hi, my name is Bernie Davis. I am a colon cancer survivor. I am working with PeopleBeatingCancer to research both conventional and non-conventional therapies to reduce my risk of my colon cancer relapsing.
The Best Diet for Colon Cancer Prevention
Summary (short version)
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Most consistent human evidence: post-diagnosis higher dietary fiber and overall adherence to a Mediterranean / plant-forward dietary pattern are associated with lower colorectal-cancer mortality and better outcomes in observational studies. These are the strongest, most actionable dietary signals. PMC+1
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Polyphenol-rich foods (tea, coffee, berries, nuts, olives, cocoa) have plausible anti-tumor and microbiome-modulating mechanisms and promising preclinical/epidemiologic support, but human RCT evidence for reducing recurrence is still limited. PMC+1
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Probiotics can help with perioperative/postoperative outcomes and GI symptoms in some trials, but no reliable RCT evidence shows a specific probiotic strain prevents colorectal-cancer recurrence; at least one recent trial of VSL#3 showed no effect on long-term recurrence/survival. Use probiotics for symptom support only after medical review. PubMed+1
Why these foods may help (mechanisms)
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Fiber → short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), especially butyrate, which nourish colonocytes, reduce inflammation, and have anti-tumor effects in models. Fiber also promotes a beneficial microbiome composition. PMC
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Polyphenols are metabolized by gut bacteria into bioactive compounds that modulate inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell signaling. PMC
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Plant-forward/Mediterranean diet combines fiber, polyphenols, healthy fats (olive oil, nuts), and lower red/processed meat — a pattern linked to lower CRC incidence and improved outcomes in observational analyses. PMC+1
Practical, evidence-based recommendations you can implement
(These are intended as lifestyle suggestions — check with your oncology team for personal medical advice.)
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Aim for a high-fiber, plant-forward pattern
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Target: ~25–30 g fiber/day (general adult goal; individual needs vary). Prefer whole foods: whole grains, legumes, beans, lentils, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. (Studies showing benefit use higher fiber intake after diagnosis vs lower intake.) PMC+1
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Adopt Mediterranean-style choices
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Emphasize: olive oil, vegetables, fruit, fish, whole grains, legumes, nuts; limit red and processed meat and highly processed foods. Observational data link this pattern with lower CRC risk and possible benefit for survivors. PMC+1
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Include polyphenol-rich foods daily
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Examples: berries, apples, coffee (if tolerated), green tea (EGCG), cocoa (dark chocolate in small amounts), colorful vegetables, nuts, extra-virgin olive oil. These feed beneficial microbes and have anti-inflammatory effects in studies. PMC+1
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Use probiotics selectively and safely
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Probiotics may help with diarrhea, postoperative infection risk and microbiome recovery, but they are not proven to prevent cancer recurrence. If you consider them, pick products with clinical data for the outcome you care about (e.g., prevention of AAD or post-op infections) and discuss timing (during/after chemo vs perioperative). Avoid live probiotics during profound neutropenia or if you have central lines without medical OK. PubMed+1
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Prefer whole foods over supplements when possible
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Trials that show benefit are primarily observational dietary patterns, not single-supplement fixes. Whole foods provide fiber + polyphenols + nutrients and are more consistently linked to better outcomes. epi.grants.cancer.gov
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Other supportive measures
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Maintain healthy weight, stay physically active, limit alcohol, stop tobacco — these are guideline recommendations for CRC survivors and have stronger supportive evidence for lowering recurrence risk than any single supplement or probiotic. epi.grants.cancer.gov
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Example daily menu (practical)
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Breakfast: rolled oats with berries, ground flaxseed, and a small handful of walnuts.
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Lunch: big salad with mixed greens, chickpeas or lentils, olives, cherry tomatoes, olive oil + lemon; whole-grain bread.
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Snack: apple or orange + plain yogurt (or probiotic if advised).
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Dinner: baked salmon, quinoa, steamed broccoli + olive oil, side of roasted root vegetables.
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Drinks: water, coffee or green tea in moderation.
What the evidence does not say
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There is no proven single probiotic strain or single polyphenol supplement that reliably prevents colorectal-cancer recurrence. Most human evidence is observational (association, not proof of cause), and randomized trials focused on recurrence are few and mixed. PubMed+1
The bottom line is that what I eat and don’t eat can make a dramatic difference in my risk of colon cancer relapse. Are you a colon cancer survivor? What do you eat? Scroll down the page, post a question or a comment and I will reply to you ASAP.
thanks,
- Bernie Davis
- Colon Cancer Survivor
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