Communicating Colon Cancer Prevention

Thursday March 16, 2000

Colon Cancer is a disease that nobody wants to discuss. Second only to lung cancer, it’s one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths for both men and women in the United States.

The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be about 94,700 new cases of colon cancer in the United States this year. People over the age of 50, city dwellers and Caucasian Americans have each been identified as an “at-risk” group.

Confronting colon cancer takes courage, however seeking treatment for the disease is imperative, as colon cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer. Caught early, colon cancer is 90 percent curable.

Today, medical research indicates that consuming soy can reduce the risk of colon cancer in an “at-risk” population.

According to research presented at the 1999 Third International Symposium on the Role of Soy in Preventing and Treating Chronic Disease, soy products may provide protection against and inhibit the progression of colon cancer. Maurice Bennink, PhD presented a study that indicates it is feasible to eat enough soy to enhance cell differentiation in colon mucosa, thereby reducing the risk of colon cancer. Dr. Bennink is a professor in the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department at Michigan State University.

For more information on soy’s preventive effects on colon cancer, contact Kauilani Ostrem at (206) 270-4634 or Kauilani.Ostrem@publicis-usa.com.

WEB RESOURCES:
American Cancer Society