Colon Cancer

A colon polyp is a small clump of cells that forms on the lining of the colon. Most colon polyps are harmless. But over time, some colon polyps can develop into colon cancer, which is often fatal when found in its later stages.

Anyone can develop colon polyps. You're at higher risk if you're 50 or older, are overweight or a smoker, or have a personal or family history of colon polyps or colon cancer.

The presence of polyps in the inner wall of the colon is a high-risk complication for the development of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Causes of CRC include genetic and environmental factors. Environmental factors in this disease are more important than genetic factors. The environmental factors including inappropriate diets such as high fat, low fiber, and low carbohydrates.

In the intestinal flora there are two kinds of beneficial and harmful types of bacteria. Probiotics are the good bacteria and they may help lower the risk for several cancers. 

Probiotics help your immune system function at its best so it can detect and kill cells that can become cancer. Some studies suggest that probiotics can help prevent tumor formation by influencing the microbiome.

Probiotic foods contain live bacteria, which may help restore balance and offer protection from harmful bacteria. Eating them is one way to reseed your gut with good bacteria.

Prebiotic foods feed the bacteria in your gut so they can grow and repopulate. Most are fiber-rich plant foods.

Reference:

Wollowski, I., Rechkemmer, G., & Pool-Zobel, B. L. (2001). Protective role of probiotics and prebiotics in colon cancer. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 73(2), 451s-455s.