Nicolette: 0:01

Welcome to the Health Pulse, your go-to source for quick, actionable insights on health, wellness and diagnostics. Whether you're looking to optimize your well-being or stay informed about the latest in medical testing, we've got you covered. Join us as we break down key health topics in just minutes. Let's dive in.

Mark: 0:25

Hey everyone and welcome back for another deep dive with us. Today we're going to be exploring something really fascinating the link between colon cancer and gut health.

Elizabeth: 0:35

Yeah, it's amazing how much we're learning about this connection.

Mark: 0:38

It really is. I mean, there's so much research out there now showing just how important gut health is for our overall well-being.

Elizabeth: 0:45

You know what's really interesting to me? It's not just about digestion anymore. Right Like, scientists are discovering that our gut microbiome, this community of trillions of bacteria, fungi, viruses, living in our intestines, Trillions, that's wild. Yeah, it plays a role in everything from our immune system to even on mental health, and now we're seeing how it can impact our risk of developing colon cancer.

Mark: 1:09

So let's start with the basics for our listeners who might not be as familiar with colon cancer. Sure, what exactly is it and how does it develop?

Elizabeth: 1:15

So colon cancer, also called colorectal cancer, starts in the colon or the rectum, which are the last parts of your digestive tract.

Nicolette: 1:22

Okay.

Elizabeth: 1:22

And a lot of times it actually begins with these small, benign clumps of cells called polyps.

Mark: 1:27

Polyps got it.

Elizabeth: 1:28

Now these polyps. They're not cancerous initially, but over time they can become cancerous, so that's why it's so important to catch them early.

Mark: 1:35

That makes sense.

Elizabeth: 1:42

So what are some of the things that make someone more likely to develop these polyps in the first place? Well, there's a bunch of factors at play. Some are inherent, like age Okay. As we get older, our risk of developing colon cancer goes up.

Mark: 1:50

Yeah, that seems to be the case with a lot of health issues, unfortunately.

Elizabeth: 1:53

It's true. And then race is also a factor, with African Americans sadly having a higher risk.

Mark: 1:59

Right.

Elizabeth: 2:00

And of course, your family history matters a lot too. So if you have family members who have had colon cancer, exactly If you've had colon polyps or colon cancer yourself, or if it runs in your family, your risk increases.

Mark: 2:11

Got it. What about inflammatory bowel diseases? I've heard those can increase the risk as well.

Elizabeth: 2:16

You're absolutely right. Certain conditions like Crohn's disease can also increase your chances of developing colon cancer.

Mark: 2:22

We've talked about age, race, personal and family history. It sounds like genetics play a big role.

Elizabeth: 2:26

They definitely do. There are actually specific genetic conditions that can significantly increase your risk.

Mark: 2:33

Like what.

Elizabeth: 2:34

Well, two of the big ones are familial adenomatous polyposis, or FAP, and Lynch syndrome.

Mark: 2:40

Okay, I've heard of those, but I don't know much about it so FAP.

Elizabeth: 2:44

it's caused by a gene mutation and what happens is people with FAP. They develop hundreds or even thousands of polyps in their colon.

Mark: 2:53

Oh wow, that sounds serious it is.

Elizabeth: 2:55

The risk of developing cancer with FAP is extremely high. And then there's Lynch syndrome.

Mark: 3:00

Oh, is that one different.

Elizabeth: 3:01

Lynch syndrome involves mutations in genes that are responsible for repairing DNA, so people with Lynch syndrome are more prone to developing a variety of cancers, including colon cancer.

Mark: 3:11

So their bodies have a harder time fixing those errors in their DNA that can lead to cancer.

Elizabeth: 3:15

Exactly. It's like their internal repair system isn't working as efficiently.

Mark: 3:19

Okay, so we've got age, race, family history and these genetic predispositions all contributing to colon cancer risk, but what about our lifestyle choices? Do those have any impact?

Elizabeth: 3:29

Oh, absolutely, Things like what we eat, how active we are, even our stress levels those all play a huge role.

Mark: 3:35

So it's not just about our genes, it's about how we live our lives too.

Elizabeth: 3:39

Exactly. Take the typical Western diet, for example.

Mark: 3:42

You mean like lots of processed foods, red meat, sugary drinks?

Elizabeth: 3:46

Yeah, that kind of thing, and unfortunately it's a pretty common way of eating these days.

Mark: 3:51

It is.

Elizabeth: 3:51

But research has shown that this type of diet is linked to a higher risk of colon cancer. Being sedentary, carrying extra weight, smoking, heavy alcohol those all contribute as well.

Mark: 4:02

So basically, what we're seeing here is that there's a clear connection between the choices we make and our colon health.

Elizabeth: 4:08

Yeah, and you know what's really important to remember A lot of people don't actually experience any noticeable symptoms in the early stages of colon cancer.

Mark: 4:15

Wait, really so you could have it and not even know.

Elizabeth: 4:18

That's exactly why regular screenings are so crucial, even if you're feeling totally fine.

Mark: 4:22

That's a little scary, I know, but the good news is that if it's caught early, colon cancer is highly treatable. Ok, so we'll definitely talk more about screenings later on, but first I want to dive into this whole idea of the gut microbiome that you mentioned earlier.

Elizabeth: 4:35

Yeah.

Mark: 4:36

What is it exactly?

Elizabeth: 4:37

So picture this trillions of bacteria, fungi, viruses, all living inside your intestines.

Mark: 4:44

Trillions. That's mind-boggling.

Elizabeth: 4:46

It's a whole world down there and that's your gut microbiome, this diverse community of microbes. They're not just hanging out, they're actually working hard for us.

Mark: 4:55

What do you mean?

Elizabeth: 4:56

Well, for starters, they play a vital role in digestion and nutrient absorption. They help break down the food we eat, extract the nutrients and even produce certain vitamins. Think of them like your internal team of microscopic chefs and nutritionists.

Mark: 5:10

That's a great analogy, yeah, so having a healthy gut microbiome means better digestion and better nutrient absorption.

Elizabeth: 5:17

Precisely, and that's just the beginning. It also helps to defend us against harmful pathogens, those bad bacteria that can make us sick.

Mark: 5:24

Okay, that makes sense.

Elizabeth: 5:25

But here's a fun fact that might surprise you.

Mark: 5:27

What's that?

Elizabeth: 5:27

Research suggests that the gut microbiome can even influence your mood and mental health.

Mark: 5:32

Wait, really. So our gut bacteria could be affecting how we feel emotionally.

Elizabeth: 5:36

That's right. This whole gut-brain connection is a super fascinating area of research. Scientists are finding more and more evidence that the communication between our gut and our brain is a two-way street. The types of bacteria in our gut can actually send signals to the brain, affecting our mood, emotions, even cognitive function.

Mark: 5:56

Wow, I had no idea it was that complex.

Elizabeth: 5:58

It's incredible, right, but the important thing to understand is that, just like any ecosystem, things can get out of balance in our gut, and that's when problems start to arise.

Mark: 6:09

You're talking about dysbiosis, right?

Elizabeth: 6:11

Yeah, gut dysbiosis. When there's an imbalance in the types of bacteria in our gut, it's like having too many of the bad guys and not enough of the good guys.

Mark: 6:20

So it's not just about having bacteria in our gut, it's about having the right balance of bacteria.

Elizabeth: 6:24

Exactly, and this imbalance has been linked to a whole bunch of health problems, not just in the gut itself, but throughout the entire body.

Mark: 6:31

This is all making me realize just how important it is to take care of our gut health.

Elizabeth: 6:35

Absolutely, and here's a really important takeaway for your listeners About 70% of your immune system resides in your gut.

Mark: 6:43

Wow, 70%. No wonder they say gut health is so crucial.

Elizabeth: 6:46

It really is. It's a major player in our body's defense system, and the immune system is constantly interacting with the microbiome, influencing how our bodies respond to different threats. Certain microbes can actually calm inflammation, while others help to boost our defenses against infection. It's all super interconnected.

Mark: 7:04

This is fascinating stuff. Okay, so this is all starting to make sense now. A healthy gut with a balanced microbiome. It helps keep our immune system strong and protects us from disease. But let's get back to colon cancer. How does all of this relate to what we were talking about earlier?

Elizabeth: 7:18

Well, this is where it gets really interesting. Researchers are finding more and more evidence linking gut health to the development of colon cancer. A&d how well someone responds to treatment. It's like a two-way street.

Mark: 7:29

Wow. So it's not just about whether or not you get colon cancer. It also affects how well you can fight it, if you do get it.

Elizabeth: 7:35

Exactly, and there's some really compelling research out there to support this link.

Mark: 7:39

Like what. Do you have any examples?

Elizabeth: 7:40

Sure, there was a fascinating study out of Harvard Medical School that I think really highlights this connection.

Mark: 7:46

OK, tell me about it.

Elizabeth: 7:48

So they were looking at the types of bacteria present in the gut and their connection to colon cancer, and what they found was that two specific types of bacteria, fusobacterium nucleatum and Bacteroids fragilis, were very common in the gut microbiomes of people with precancerous polyps in their colons.

Mark: 8:07

So just having those bacteria in your gut could increase your chances of developing polyps, which we know can turn into cancer.

Elizabeth: 8:14

That's what's so amazing about this research it's not only showing us the connection between gut bacteria and colon cancer development, but it's also opening up new possibilities for treatment.

Mark: 8:24

In what way?

Elizabeth: 8:25

Well, imagine if we could target those specific harmful bacteria and stop them from growing in the first place.

Mark: 8:31

That would be incredible.

Elizabeth: 8:31

Yeah.

Mark: 8:32

It's like we're not just fighting the cancer itself, we're fighting the things that might be contributing to it.

Elizabeth: 8:37

Yeah, exactly, it's all about understanding the root causes and how we can address them.

Mark: 8:41

This is making me think even more about what we eat and how it affects our gut.

Elizabeth: 8:46

You're right on track there. What we eat plays a huge role in shaping the gut microbiome. Remember that Western diet we talked about earlier, with all the processed foods and red meat? Yeah Well, research has shown that that kind of diet can lead to gut dysbiosis that imbalance of bacteria we were discussing and that imbalance increases the risk of developing colon cancer.

Mark: 9:05

OK, I'm sure our listeners are wondering right now what can I do about it?

Elizabeth: 9:08

Right. That's the great thing about all this research it empowers us to make changes that can actually improve our health.

Mark: 9:13

So what can people do to improve their gut health and reduce their risk?

Elizabeth: 9:17

One of the biggest things is diet. The American Institute for Cancer Research, the AICR. They've done tons of research on diet and cancer prevention and their reports always emphasize the importance of a fiber-rich diet, so eating lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, that kind of thing. Exactly those foods. They promote a healthier, more diverse gut microbiome, which is what we want, and a healthy microbiome is linked to a lower risk of colon cancer.

Mark: 9:43

Fiber seems to be really important then.

Elizabeth: 9:45

It is. Fiber is like food for the good bacteria in our gut. It helps them to flourish and keep that balance we were talking about.

Mark: 9:52

Okay, so we've got diet, but what about exercise? Does that play a role in gut health?

Elizabeth: 9:58

It actually does. Studies have shown that getting regular exercise can actually change the composition of our microbiome for the better.

Mark: 10:04

Really how so.

Elizabeth: 10:06

Well, for one thing, it can increase the number of those beneficial bacteria in our gut, and it also helps with things like bowel regularity, which is important too.

Mark: 10:14

So it keeps things moving down there, exactly All right. So diet, exercise, what about stress? I feel like that's a big one for a lot of people.

Elizabeth: 10:22

You're right, Stress is a huge factor, and chronic stress unfortunately it can mess with the balance of our gut microbiome. When we're stressed, our bodies release hormones like cortisol, which can disrupt the ecosystem in our intestines, leading to inflammation and overgrowth of harmful bacteria.

Mark: 10:40

So finding ways to manage stress is important not just for our mental health, but for our gut health too.

Elizabeth: 10:45

Absolutely. Things like mindfulness exercises, deep breathing techniques, yoga, spending time in nature those can all be super helpful.

Mark: 10:52

And what about sleep? We all know sleep is important, but is it connected to gut health as well?

Elizabeth: 10:58

You bet it is. Getting enough sleep is vital for a healthy gut. Poor sleep has been linked to changes in the gut microbiome that can actually promote the growth of those harmful bacteria we've been talking about.

Mark: 11:10

Okay, so we've talked about diet, exercise, stress, sleep.

Nicolette: 11:14

Wow.

Mark: 11:15

It seems like everything is connected it really is. Now, what about screenings? Where do those fit into all of this?

Elizabeth: 11:20

Screenings. They're essential. Even though we've been focusing on prevention, early detection is just as important. When it comes to colon cancer, screenings are the best way to catch it early, when it's most treatable.

Mark: 11:31

So what kind of screenings are there for colon cancer?

Elizabeth: 11:33

There are a few different options. Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard because it allows doctors to actually see the entire colon and remove any polyps they find during the procedure.

Mark: 11:43

That sounds pretty effective.

Elizabeth: 11:45

It is. It's why it's so good at both detecting A and D, preventing colon cancer. But there are also less invasive options like stool tests, which can look for signs of cancer in your stool, and flexible sigmoidoscopy, which examines the lower part of the colon.

Mark: 11:59

So there's a range of options depending on individual needs and risk factors.

Elizabeth: 12:03

Exactly. Your doctor can help you decide which screening is best for you.

Mark: 12:08

Now what about the general recommendations? When should people start getting screened for colon cancer?

Elizabeth: 12:13

The general guideline is to start at age 50 for people at average risk, but if you have a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors like inflammatory bowel disease, your doctor might recommend starting earlier.

Mark: 12:25

And how often should people get screened?

Elizabeth: 12:28

For most people, a colonoscopy every 10 years is enough. But again, your doctor can help you determine the right schedule based on your individual situation.

Mark: 12:35

You mentioned genetic testing earlier. Has that become more common in colon cancer prevention?

Elizabeth: 12:40

It definitely has. Genetic testing is becoming increasingly important. It can help identify people who have inherited gene mutations that put them at higher risk of developing colon cancer.

Mark: 12:50

So it's like personalized medicine Exactly.

Elizabeth: 12:52

Knowing your genetic risk can help you take proactive steps like starting screenings earlier or even making lifestyle changes to reduce your risk.

Mark: 13:01

It sounds like we're starting to make real progress in understanding and preventing colon cancer.

Elizabeth: 13:05

We are. It's an exciting time for research in this area.

Mark: 13:08

This has been a really informative deep dive. I feel like we've covered so much ground.

Elizabeth: 13:12

We have From the basics of colon cancer to the complexities of the gut microbiome. It's been quite a journey.

Mark: 13:19

But for our listeners, who might be feeling a little overwhelmed right now, is there a way to summarize everything we've talked about into a few key takeaways?

Elizabeth: 13:27

That's a great question. I think it's easy to get lost in the details when we're talking about something as complex as this.

Mark: 13:33

Absolutely. There's a lot of information to digest.

Elizabeth: 13:36

Unintended.

Mark: 13:37

Maybe a little, but seriously, I think the biggest takeaway here is your gut health. It really does play a huge role in your risk of developing colon cancer.

Elizabeth: 13:47

Okay, so that's the bad news, but what about the good news? The good news is you have a lot of control over your gut health. It's not something that's completely out of your hands.

Mark: 14:03

You can make choices that can actually reduce your risk. That's reassuring to hear. What would you?

Elizabeth: 14:05

say, is like the number one thing people can do right now to start improving their gut health. Hmm, that's a tough one, but if I had to pick just one, I'd say increase your fiber intake fiber.

Mark: 14:11

Okay, so eat more fruits, veggies, whole grains, that kind of thing exactly, and you don't have to overhaul your entire diet overnight.

Elizabeth: 14:19

Start small, add a serving of fruit to your breakfast. Swap out white bread for whole wheat. Little changes like that can make a big difference over time it's all about building those healthy habits exactly and, of course, don't forget about screenings. If you're 50 or older or if you have any risk factors, talk to your doctor about getting a colonoscopy. It could literally save your life.

Mark: 14:40

I second that. Folks Please don't put off those screenings. They are so important.

Elizabeth: 14:45

You know what I think is so exciting about this whole area of research? We're just scratching the surface. We're learning more and more every day about the gut microbiome and its role in our health.

Mark: 14:54

It makes you wonder what we'll discover next. Right, there's so much potential for new treatments and prevention strategies down the road.

Elizabeth: 15:05

It really is incredible. Yeah, I think we've covered a lot of ground today. We have From the basics of colon cancer to all the fascinating things we're learning about the gut microbiome.

Mark: 15:10

It's been a wild ride. It has.

Elizabeth: 15:12

But hopefully a very informative one for our listeners.

Mark: 15:15

Absolutely. And remember folks, knowledge is power. The more you know about your body and how to take care of it, the better equipped you are to live a long and healthy life.

Elizabeth: 15:25

Well said.

Mark: 15:26

So, to all of our amazing listeners out there, thank you so much for joining us on this deep dive into colon cancer and gut health. We hope you learned something new today and that you feel empowered to take charge of your health.

Elizabeth: 15:38

Until next time, stay curious.

Mark: 15:40

And stay well.

Nicolette: 15:47

Thanks for tuning into the Health Post. If you found this episode helpful, don't forget to subscribe and share it with someone who might benefit. For more health insights and diagnostics, visit us online at wwwquicklabmobilecom. Stay informed, stay healthy and we'll catch you in the next episode.