From the Desk of Dr. Lenz
Can Coffee Protect Against Colon Cancer?
Recent data suggest that a compound in coffee has been found to possibly protect against colon cancer.
We have known for a long time that estrogen can protect against colon cancer and that women who take hormone replacement can also prevent polyps and cancer development. We also have recently seen that women do better than men when younger than 45 years old.
How estrogen can protect is still unclear, However we know that estrogen receptors are expressed in the colon which may be responsible for the estrogen effect. This compound identified in coffee has shown to be estrogenic. These studies are done by Texas AgriLife Research scientists.
We don’t have any data on how much coffee we need to drink to have this effect, but the scientists say the compound, called trigonelline or “trig,” may be a factor in estrogen-dependent breast cancer but beneficial against colon cancer development. These data were published in the Journal of Nutrition.
Dr. Clinton Allred’s lab studies dietary compounds that can mimic the hormone estradiol – the primary hormone in women. His main focus has been to look at how estrogen protects against the development of colon cancer. Estradiol is one of three estrogen hormones.
We have seen data in recent years that modulation of estrogen with soy, which is able to decrease estrogen levels, has an effect on breast cancer and colon cancer, but in opposite ways. Soy can increase breast cancer risk but not the risk of colon cancer, because estrogen can protect against colon cancer.
The data from Dr. Allred show that “trig” is in coffee beans, though in different amounts depending on the variety of coffee bean.
Dr. Allred said,
The more you roast a coffee bean, the less there is. But the most critical aspect is that when you do a water extract of ground coffee, which is basically how you make a cup of coffee. It does in fact come out in the water, so we know it is in a cup of coffee.
We need much more data to better understand what this substance is able to do and what the mechanisms of actions are before we run to Starbucks and order a double latte.
This news article was originally posted on November 26th, 2009 and was accurate at the time of publication. Since then, information may have changed or links may now be outdated. Please call our Answer Line 1-877-427-2111 for the latest information, or talk to your doctor before making any medical decisions.
Posted by Heinz-Josef Lenz, MD on November 26th, 2009
Tags: coffee, estrogen, Preventing Colorectal Cancer
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Deborah Kanter
November 26, 2009 at 12:21pm
I would like to think that coffee (a good Kenya AA, ground fine, with a dot of half and half or light cream is my liquid ecstasy) could help prevent the formation of polyps which can lead to colorectal cancer. Empirical studies would be interesting.
However, as a longtime vegetarian and 5 plus daily coffee drinker at the time of my diagnosis (1999)of Stage III rectal cancer, I might be that anomaly.
Currently, ten years after and only a 3-5 cup daily coffee drinker and still vegetarian, still at NED, perhaps there is a positive effect, after all.
Thanks for the information.
Patsy White
December 7, 2009 at 3:10am
Dr. Lenz:
I have written you in the past about my husband. His cancer has spread to one spot on the right lobe of his liver. Right now I am trying to get him to a surgeon in New Orleans about doing the Covedian Evident Microwave Ablation. Our oncologist has concerns about anything being done because of his mets to his lungs. I have seen writings from people who interact on Colon Talk that have had procedures done to their liver even with them having mets to other areas.
You said in your last response to me that we should seek out clinical trials. Over the last 3 years I have asked our oncologist whether there are clinical trials out there that my husband could participate. Her answer is always– none. Is there a service or organization somewhere that can take his data and tell us a clinical trial for him? We will go anywhere.
Thank you so much for all you do.
Patsy
Kim Ryan
December 14, 2009 at 5:08pm
Hello Patsy,
You can contact the C3 Answer Line and they will be able to provide you with some information regarding clinical trials for your husband.
They can be reached at 1-877-427-2111.
Sincerely,
Kim Ryan
C3: Colorectal Cancer Coalition
Director of Patient Information Services
Heinz-Josef Lenz
December 14, 2009 at 5:14pm
as you can imagine depending on previous therapies, kidney/liver function and many other parameters he may be eligibile for some trials. you can call Kim to see if she can assist you to find some or also get second opinions at major cancer centers such as Tulane or MD Anderson. HJL
Researchers study link between coffee and colon cancer | Get Your Rear In Gear Blog
January 9, 2010 at 7:13pm
[...] in the Journal of Nutrition linking coffee to a decreased risk of colon cancer was reviewed by Colorectal Cancer Coalition contributor Heinz-Josef Lenz, MD. In his review, he identifies a compound called called [...]