Risk of Colorectal Cancer in a Brazilian Population is Differentially Associated with the Intake of Processed Meat and Vitamin E

Abstract

The incidence and mortality rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Northeast Brazil are increasing. To study the association between CRC and diet, data were obtained from 64 patients with CRC and 123 sex- and age-matched controls. The dietary details were recorded using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Nutrient intake was calculated using Dietsys software (National Cancer Institute, Maryland, USA). In a binary logistic regression model of dietary components (model 1), the chance of CRC increased by 0.2% (odds ratio [OR] = 1.002; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.000–1.004) for each gram of processed meat intake per week (p < 0.010). Consumption of eggs decreased the chance by 0.1% per gram (OR = 0.999; 95% CI: 0.998–1.000; p < 0.050). The use of oil (including olive oil) for served food decreased the chance by 1.8% (OR = 0.982; 95% CI: 0.970–0.992) for each time consumed (p < 0.010). In a model of nutritional factors (model 2), intake of vitamin E decreased the chance by 16.8% (OR = 0.832; 95% CI: 0.725–0.940) for each milligram intake per week (p < 0.010). In model 1 and 2 smoking increased the chance of CRC by 10.294 (95%CI: 4.240–27.670) and 2.496 (95% CI: 1.425–3.566) times (p < 0.010; p < 0.010), respectively.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank all persons who participated in this study. We would also like to thank the staff of the FAP public hospital and health service centres that supported this study. Special thanks also to F. E. Leite de Lima, for her helpful suggestions about the Dietsys software.

Author Contribution Statement

RRAR, IRB, KAS and LCS conducted the interviews and tabulated the data. TAO and MW performed the data analysis. MW designed the study and drafted the manuscript. RRAR, IRB and MW contributed to the conception and critical review of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Disclosure Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Data Availability Statement

Data are available upon request.