Question:
High Protein Diets Increase Chance of Colon Cancer?

I heard that high protein diets increase the chances for colon cancer..I'm 2 months post op and have only lost 26 pounds so I am also doing the Atkins diet. I am worried about the risks...anyone hear this too?    — christine S. (posted on March 15, 2003)

March 15, 2003
First of all the quantity of protein you can eat is very minimal. Most importantly is that your risk for colon cancer is higher from being morbidly obeses than eating the quantity of protein a post op can - even 1 yr out. Look for fiber in fruits and veggies as you are able to add those into your diet. I have had a precancerous colon polyp removed at age 35 and I feel my chance of not getting cancer is only going to be improved by getting this fat off my body. Chris
   — zoedogcbr

March 15, 2003
The way I've had this explained to me is that cancer develops from damaged cells...your intestines are cellular walls. When you eat a very high protien diet without enough fiber (which happens on an extreme low-carb diet) you get constipated and strain a lot, which tears the cellular walls of the intestine which can, over time, lead to a higher possibility of cancer. I was told to get plenty of roughage in my diet and to not count healthy green veggies in my carb count for the day. I keep white carbs under 20 grams a day and green is what I can consume after I've gotten my protein in for the day. No constipation so far and weight-loss is 130 pounds in just under 8 months. I also agree with the previous poster on the weight issue making you a much higher risk!
   — [Deactivated Member]

March 15, 2003
I read about this somewhere last month, and they recomended getting a colonoscopy every three years starting at age 50, this is the same for anyone weather they have had wls or not. If cought early enough it is highly curable. it is also hereditary, I had one brother who thought it was only hemrroids, and when they got in there he had a larg mass, he fought it for 3 years and colon cancer won the battle I miss him, So please everyone get checked, regardless if you think you eat healthy enough. And he was only 45 and not overweight. bty congrats on our 26# loss :0)
   — wizz46

March 16, 2003
Bring this up with your doctor. Many things increase colon cancer risk, including family history, having polyps and smoking. As another poster stated, the general recommendation is a colonoscopy at age 50 EVEN is you have no symptoms, and then three to five years after. Your doctor will decide if you need to have colonoscopy earlier than age 50, or more frequently. Please don't worry, but keep yourself (and your doctor) informed. Colon cancer can be cured if caught early. Knowledge is power.
   — Kasey