DIETARY ENERGY-SOURCES AND COLON-CANCER RISK

Because energy-contributing nutrients are highly correlated with total energy, the association with colon cancer from energy versus other co mponents of energy-providing nutrients is often not clear. Dietary dat a from a population-based case-control study of colon cancer were anal yzed in subjects from California, Utah, and Minnesota in 1991-1994 to assess the colon cancer risk associated with consumption of energy; fa t, protein, and carbohydrate. After adjustment for long-term physical activity, total energy intake increased risk of colon cancer in men (o dds ratio = 1.74, 95% confidence interval 1.14-2.67 for highest vs. lo west quartile) and in women (odds ratio = 1.70, 95% confidence interva l 1.07-2.70). Various methods of analysis suggested that intakes of in dividual sources of energy (dietary fat, protein, and carbohydrate) we re not associated with colon cancer risk after total energy intake was taken into account. People who consumed a high-calorie diet that was dense in fiber and calcium appeared to be at lower risk than people wi th the same caloric intake who consumed smaller amounts of dietary fib er and calcium. Individuals with a first-degree relative with colorect al cancer, especially those diagnosed at a younger age, were at a grea ter risk from a diet high in energy than were individuals without a fa mily history of colorectal cancer.