Drinking coffee daily may prevent the return of colon cancer, study finds
Drinking coffee regularly may help colon cancer patients, according to a new study.
Researchers at Boston’s Dana Farber Cancer Institute say the consumption of caffeinated — not decaf — coffee might help prevent colon cancer from returning after treatment and help chances of a cure.
The patients who saw the biggest benefit drank at least four cups of regular coffee a day, according to Dana-Farber, while those who drank two to three cups had a “more modest benefit.’’
“We found that coffee drinkers had a lower risk of the cancer coming back and a significantly greater survival and chance of a cure,’’ Dr. Charles Fuchs, director of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Center at Dana-Farber, said in a statement.
The research focused on coffee and diet because coffee is linked to possible protection against some cancers and possibly reduces the risk of Type 2 Diabetes.
Fuchs and his colleagues found the reduced risk of death or of cancer returning was “entirely due’’ to caffeine, but said more study is needed to determine why.
“If you are a coffee drinker and are being treated for colon cancer, don’t stop,’’ he said. “But if you’re not a coffee drinker and wondering whether to start, you should first discuss it with your physician.’’
A healthy diet, exercise, and avoiding obesity can also protect against cancer, Fuchs said.
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