Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases that people can experience. It is a prevalent health concern globally, and scientists continue to study different ways to treat and prevent it.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, with more than 1.9 million new cases reported in 2020 alone. However, a recent study suggests that drinking coffee may have a positive impact on the health of individuals with advanced bowel cancer.

The link between coffee and bowel cancer

The study, which was conducted by researchers from the Royal Melbourne Hospital, investigated the impact of coffee consumption on the survival of patients with advanced bowel cancer.

The researchers reviewed the medical records of over 1,100 patients with advanced bowel cancer and found that drinking one to two cups of coffee per day was associated with a 31% lower risk of disease progression and a 36% lower risk of death compared to those who did not drink coffee.

Furthermore, the study revealed that the protective effect of coffee was dose-dependent. The more coffee the patients consumed, the more significant the reduction in risk.

Patients who drank more than two cups of coffee per day had a 54% lower risk of disease progression and a 59% lower risk of death compared to those who did not drink coffee at all.

The mechanism behind coffee’s effects on cancer

The exact mechanism behind coffee’s protective effects on cancer is not yet fully understood. However, the researchers believe that one possible explanation is the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of coffee.

Coffee contains several bioactive compounds that may help prevent cancer, including caffeine, phenolic acids, and diterpenes.

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that is found in coffee in varying amounts. Studies have shown that caffeine may reduce the risk of several types of cancer, including colorectal cancer.

Phenolic acids are antioxidants that may help protect cells from oxidative damage, which can lead to cancer. Diterpenes, such as cafestol and kahweol, are compounds found in coffee that have anticarcinogenic properties.

In addition to these bioactive compounds, coffee also contains chlorogenic acid, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Inflammation is a crucial factor in cancer development and progression, and reducing inflammation in the body may help prevent or slow the growth of cancer cells.

Other health benefits of coffee

Besides its potential anticancer effects, coffee consumption has been linked to several other health benefits. These include:.

Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes

Several studies have found that coffee consumption may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

A meta-analysis of 28 prospective studies involving over 1 million participants found that each additional cup of coffee per day was associated with a 7% reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Improved cognitive function

Coffee contains caffeine, which is a central nervous system stimulant. Studies have shown that caffeine can improve cognitive function, including memory, alertness, and concentration.

Reduced risk of liver disease

Coffee consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. A study of over 430,000 participants found that each additional cup of coffee per day was associated with a 20% reduced risk of liver cancer.

Reduced risk of depression

Several studies have found that coffee consumption may reduce the risk of depression.

A meta-analysis of 26 studies involving over 1.2 million participants found that each additional cup of coffee per day was associated with an 8% reduced risk of depression.

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest that coffee consumption may have a positive impact on the health of individuals with advanced bowel cancer.

Drinking one to two cups of coffee per day was associated with a 31% lower risk of disease progression and a 36% lower risk of death compared to those who did not drink coffee. Furthermore, the protective effect of coffee was dose-dependent, with patients who consumed more than two cups of coffee per day having a 54% lower risk of disease progression and a 59% lower risk of death.

While the exact mechanism behind coffee’s effects on cancer is not yet fully understood, it is believed that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of coffee may play a role.

In addition to its potential anticancer effects, coffee consumption has been linked to several other health benefits, including a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, improved cognitive function, a reduced risk of liver disease, and a reduced risk of depression.