QUESTION:
I recently read that drinking coffee lowers the risk of bowel cancer coming back. Does that mean it reduces the risk of getting bowel cancer in the first place? How does coffee help the bowel?
ANSWER:
Researchers have found intriguing links between coffee consumption and colorectal cancer risk. Regular coffee consumption is linked to a reduced risk of colorectal cancer occurrence and recurrence in some studies, including a recent large observational study in the Netherlands. But is there enough evidence to say that coffee could prevent colorectal cancer? The Dutch study used data from a longitudinal study investigating nutritional and lifestyle factors linked to cancer recurrence among 1719 colorectal cancer patients. They found drinking four or more cups of coffee daily was associated with a 32% lower risk of colorectal cancer recurrence compared with drinking less than two cups daily. However, a U-shaped relationship existed between coffee consumption and all-cause mortality: optimal health was associated with drinking 3-5 cups a day. The lowest risk was at four cups. Mortality risk was higher as coffee consumption increased or decreased.
This story is from the April 27-May 3, 2024 edition of New Zealand Listener.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 27-May 3, 2024 edition of New Zealand Listener.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Roman scandals
Sarah Watt reviews two major titles at this year's Italian Film Festival.
Rising tide
Twenty years on from the foreshore and seabed hikoi, the issues behind it have not subsided.
The balance of Powers
The Naked and Famous star is unashamedly indulgent in his new solo album.
Love, love me Who
New Doctor Who Ncuti Gatwa and producer Russell T Davies talk about getting by with a little help from their friends.
Raising the barre
Why acclaimed Kiwi director James Napier Robertson-took on the bruising true story of an American ballerina in Russia.
A dickens of a novel
Historical novel is rich in women characters from all levels of Victorian society - including some from real life.
Parental advisory
A vibrant collection of essays sets out to answer one less-than-simple question: what makes a mother?
Unhappy endings
Leslie Jamison anatomises her broken marriage in a candid new memoir - but who or what was really to blame?
'I am still quite overwhelmed'
Ginette McDonald is good with voices. Now, a new anthology celebrates the long and varied career of the actor who brought us Lynn of Tawa. Just don't call it a valedictory.
A long Trekka north
Almost forgotten in this country, NZ's only homedesigned, mass-produced motor vehicle has a new following in Europe.