Lycopene and Colon Cancer Louisville KY

Colon cancer starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon). It is sometimes referred to as "colorectal cancer." Most colon cancers begin as benign polyps, which slowly develop into cancer if not removed. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in men and women in the United States and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. You have a higher risk for colon cancer if you have colorectal polyps, cancer elsewhere in the body, a family history of colon cancer, ulcerative colitis, crohn's disease or a personal history of breast cancer.

Lycopene is a non-essential nutrient that is in the same family as beta-carotene and lutein. It is the substance that gives tomatoes and several other fruits their deep red color. Attention has been focused on lycopene for its potential use in preventing cardiovascular diseases and cancer, and for its potential immune boosting properties. High levels of lycopene are found in tomatoes, guava, watermelon, pink grapefruit and rosehips.

High plasma levels of insulin-like growth factor could be a risk factor for colon cancer as well as other cancers. The researchers decided to investigate whether tomato lycopene extract could affect serum levels of insulin-like growth factor in colon cancer patients. This study is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 56 colon cancer patients who were candidates for colectomy (surgery removing all or part of the colon). The patients were assigned either tomato lycopene extract or a placebo to be taken a few days to a few weeks before surgery. The group being supplemented with tomato lycopene extract had a 25 percent decrease in plasma concentration of insulin-like growth factor in comparison with the placebo-treated group who had a 5 percent decrease. The researchers determined that tomato lycopene extract may prevent colon cancer.¹

¹ Walfisch S, Walfisch Y, Kirilov E, et al. Tomato lycopene extract supplementation decreases insulin-like growth factor-I levels in colon cancer patients. Eur J of Cancer Prevention. Aug2007;16(4):298-303.