Fat in your diet likely to give you colon cancer!

New genetic evidence could strengthen the link between the role of dietary fats with colon cancer progression. The study, led by Arizona State University researcher and physician Dr. Raymond DuBois, M.D., Ph.D., has identified a molecular culprit, called peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPAR delta), which, when deleted in a mouse model of colon cancer, stopped key steps required for the initiation and progression of tumor growth. (Read: Prebiotic helps lower colon cancer risk: study)

'This study has shown without a doubt there is a new function for a key molecule, PPAR delta, in the initiation and progression of colon cancer,' DuBois, executive director of ASU's Biodesign Institute said. 'These results also provide a new rationale for developing therapeutics that could block PPAR delta to treat inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer,' he said. (Read: Study suggests exercise reduces bowel cancer risk)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dietary components high in saturated fats such as red meat are thought to be risk factors for colon cancer. Other known epidemiological risk factors are family history, inflammatory bowel disease, smoking and type-2 diabetes. (Read: Eating chicken can keep colon cancer at bay)

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The study is published online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

What is colon cancer?

Colorectal cancer (also known as colon cancer or bowel cancer) is the 6^th common cause of cancer deaths in India. It develops due to overgrowth of cells lining the colon and the rectum. The colon is a 5 feet long twisted tube that helps in the absorption of water and various nutrients from the food you eat, whereas the end portion (about 6 inches) of the digestive tract that serves as a passage for excretion of stool is called the rectum. Colorectal cancer develops when cancerous tumours originate from the linings of colon and rectum. These tumours can enlarge with time and then invade the colon completely.

What causes colorectal cancer?

In most cases of colorectal cancer, the actual cause is not found. But certain risk factors like smoking, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease or Chron's disease and family history of cancer can increase the chances of colon cancer. (Read: Colorectal cancer symptoms, causes and treatment)

With inputs from ANI

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