Key Points:
Drinking up to five cups of coffee a day may lower the risk of developing and dying from bowel cancer by 30%.
Experts suggest that coffee could have a protective effect against colorectal cancer.
Previous studies have shown a lower risk of bowel cancer in coffee drinkers compared to non-coffee drinkers.
Research Findings:
A recent study found that individuals who consume more than four cups of coffee daily have a 29% lower chance of dying from bowel cancer.
Experts believe that coffee's impact on reducing glycaemia and diabetes may contribute to the lower risk of colorectal cancer.
Bowel Cancer Statistics:
Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK, with 41,596 new cases in 2021.
It is also the second deadliest cancer in the UK, claiming 16,000 lives annually.
Early diagnosis significantly improves survival rates, with nine in 10 patients surviving if detected at the earliest stage.
Recommendations and Cautions:
The NHS advises limiting coffee intake to four cups a day to avoid potential increases in blood pressure.
While the study suggests benefits of coffee consumption, caution is needed in interpreting the findings due to the observational nature of the research.
Experts highlight the need for further research to better understand the relationship between coffee consumption and colorectal cancer risk.
