World Cancer Research Fund publishes findings connecting lifestyle changes and colorectal cancer survival

HIGHLIGHTS

• The World Cancer Research Fund's Global Cancer Update Programme study, published in the International Journal of Cancer, suggests that physical activity and a diet rich in plants and whole grains, including coffee, may enhance survival for colorectal cancer patients.
• The study, while indicating potential benefits of certain lifestyle changes, calls for more extensive research due to limitations in current data, emphasising the need for robust randomised control trials.
• The research is part of a broader effort by the World Cancer Research Fund, a UICC member, to advance understanding of cancer survivorship and influence global cancer strategies through high-quality evidence.

The International Journal of Cancer (IJC) published today findings of the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) Global Cancer Update Programme (CUP Global), which suggest that a physically active lifestyle, a diet rich in plant-based foods, whole grain foods, and coffee, as well as avoiding sugary drinks, potentially improve outcomes and overall survival for people with colorectal cancer.  

“This comprehensive and rigorous review of the current state of evidence offers useful guidance on some of the diet and lifestyle factors that could improve cancer survival, and potentially help people living with and beyond cancer to enjoy longer, healthier lives. At the same time, it shows a clear need for more well-designed intervention and cohort studies to support the development of robust recommendations for colorectal cancer patients and health professionals. As we are seeing an increase of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer at younger ages, it is more important than ever that health advice is based on high-quality research.”  
– Dr Helen Croker, Assistant Director of Research and Policy at World Cancer Research Fund International 

The quality of the evidence was independently interpreted and graded by the CUP Global Expert Committee on Cancer Survivorship and Expert Panel, which identified randomised control trials (RCTs) with relevant exposures. Many of the studies available for review were observational, looking at a relatively small sample over a limited time. 

Therefore, while the findings highlight potential benefits of certain lifestyle changes for cancer patients, the expert committee highlighted several limitations, indicating a pressing need for more comprehensive studies. This recognised gap in research and the need for more data on the connection between lifestyle and cancer outcomes is noted in, and the CUP Global research team at Imperial College London, supported by World Cancer Research Fund International, remains cautious in its recommendations, however, as the four studies and the editorial published in the IJC specifically highlight. 

“UICC commends the World Cancer Research Fund for its rigorous scientific inquiry, further advancing our understanding of cancer survivorship, as well as improving outcomes and the quality of life of people who have had cancer. This study also underscores the importance of robust research and data in informing protocols, policies, and national cancer strategies.” 
– Dr Sonali Johnson, Head of Knowledge, Advocacy and Policy, UICC 

According to Dr Doris Chan, Senior Research Fellow in Nutrition at Imperial College London and CUP Global lead researcher, CUP Global is now moving towards the next phase of its research, including developing AI-assisted methods to examine cancer risk factors, exposure, and prevention. 

The World Cancer Research Fund is a Full member organisation of UICC, and the International Journal of Cancer is the official journal of UICC, covering the full spectrum of topics in clinical and experimental cancer research and recognised as a leading publication for original papers and review articles.  

Access the finds of the World Cancer Research Fund CUP Global reports

• Editorial
• Post-diagnosis physical activity and sedentary behaviour and colorectal cancer prognosis: a Global Cancer Update Programme (CUP Global) systematic literature review and meta-analysis
• Post-diagnosis adiposity, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, dietary factors, supplement use and colorectal cancer prognosis: Global Cancer Update Programme (CUP Global) summary of evidence grading.
• Post-diagnosis adiposity and colorectal cancer prognosis: a Global Cancer Update Programme (CUP Global) systematic literature review and meta-analysis
• Post-diagnosis dietary factors, supplement use and colorectal cancer prognosis: a Global Cancer Update Programme (CUP Global) systematic literature review and meta-analysis.