Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on April 18, 2017.
Taking antibiotics poses both short- and long-term risks, with the latter potentially manifesting long after the course of treatment has ended. One significant risk is the antibiotics’ ability to wipe out the bacteria in your gut.
This can lead to the elimination of infection-causing bacteria as well as beneficial bacteria that make up your microbiome. Research from 2014 suggests that antibiotic use may slightly increase the risk (8% to 11%) of developing colorectal cancer due to changes in the gut microbiome.
Furthermore, studies have shown that individuals with lower bacterial diversity in their gut are more likely to develop colon cancer. A 2017 study indicates that altering your microbiome through antibiotic use could reduce your resistance to bacteria that promote the growth of precancerous polyps in your colon.
Long-term use of antibiotics may also increase the risk of developing colon polyps. Colon polyps are cell masses that can form on the colon lining and potentially progress to colorectal cancer if left untreated.
A study from 2017 analyzed data from over 16,600 women aged 60 and older, showing that women who used antibiotics for two months or more had an increased risk of developing colon polyps. The risk was higher for those who used antibiotics for extended periods in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s. Even short antibiotic courses of 15 days or more at any age were associated with a higher risk of polyps.
The study emphasized that antibiotics alter the gut microbiome, reducing bacterial diversity and resistance to harmful bugs. This change in gut bacteria composition, combined with the inflammatory nature of some bacteria targeted by antibiotics, may predispose individuals to colorectal cancer. More research is needed to understand the link between alterations in gut bacteria and colon cancer risk.
Antibiotics have previously been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer, especially with frequent use. The microbiota changes induced by a Western diet are associated with a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer, raising concerns about the impact of antibiotics on gut bacteria.
Health officials recommend regular screening for colorectal cancer in individuals over 45 years old. Colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy are common screening methods, but inadequate cleaning and sterilization of equipment may pose infection risks. Proper disinfection protocols are crucial to prevent the spread of infections between patients undergoing these procedures. Similar to antibiotics, this also has the potential to cause dysbiosis and other gut imbalances. It’s important to keep this in mind when considering the benefits and risks of colonoscopy for colon cancer screening.
Protecting your colon health starts with protecting your gut health. Your gut health impacts your overall health, and many of the same principles apply to both. For example, dried plums (prunes) may reduce your risk of colon cancer by promoting healthy gut bacteria. Adequate fiber is also crucial, as every 10 grams of fiber added to your daily diet decreases your risk of colon cancer by 10%. Fermented foods, like butyrate, can also help prevent colon cancer by promoting the death of cancer cells.
Avoiding antibiotic-laden meats and processed meats is essential, as they have been linked to colon cancer. Processed meats contain nitrates that can increase cancer risk, while red meat consumption has also been associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer. Opt for organic grass-fed meats and cook them lightly to reduce cancer risk.
To lower your risk of colon cancer, focus on eating more vegetables, optimizing your vitamin D levels, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol intake, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight. These lifestyle changes can significantly decrease your chances of developing colon cancer. En un estudio de 2014 que analizó datos de más de 5 millones de personas mayores de 16 años, cada aumento de 11 libras en el peso corporal se asoció con un mayor riesgo de 10 tipos de cáncer.
Si tienes sobrepeso u obesidad, incluso pequeñas cantidades de pérdida de peso pueden llevar a beneficios significativos para tu salud. En términos de prevención del cáncer, perder grasa abdominal en exceso es particularmente importante, ya que la grasa abdominal está vinculada a un mayor riesgo de cáncer de colon independientemente de tu peso corporal.