Is the incidence of colorectal cancer related to environmental factors?

Data from an epidemiological survey of immigrants show that Japan and China are regions with low incidence of colorectal cancer, with incidence rates significantly lower than that of the United States. However, after immigration to Europe and the United States, the incidence of colorectal cancer increased in the first generation, and the incidence rate of the second generation was close to that of Americans. Therefore, it is speculated that the occurrence of colorectal cancer is mainly related to environmental factors. Environmental factors refer to the natural environment and the social environment. The natural environment includes climate factors and geographical factors, while the social environment includes living and working factors and social factors.

The change of climate in four seasons often leads to seasonal diseases, such as cold in spring, heatstroke in summer, dryness in autumn, cold in winter, etc. Different regions often have regional common diseases and common diseases due to different climate characteristics, water and soil properties, and living customs. For example, there are more cold diseases in the north, and more hot diseases or damp heat diseases in the south. Poor living and working environment can also become a pathogenic factor for the occurrence of diseases. For example, waste gas, waste liquid, dust and noise in the working environment can cause acute or chronic poisoning; dark and damp living environment, polluted air, etc. can also lead to the occurrence of diseases. As for social factors, such as changes in social status, economic conditions, family conditions and interpersonal relationships, they can all affect people's mental and emotional activities and become factors that induce diseases.

At the same time, the role of social and psychological factors cannot be ignored. Negative events in life, such as the death of a loved one, family discord, work frustration and interpersonal tension, can easily cause mental depression. Long-term mental depression, maladaptation to the environment, negative emotions that cannot be self-regulated, anxiety and strong stress reactions are all susceptible behavioral patterns for cancer. Studies have shown that the incidence of colorectal cancer in people with a history of mental stimulation is about 10 times higher than that of normal people.

As we all know, in recent years, due to economic development and changes in eating habits, the incidence of colorectal cancer in some Asian countries has shown an upward trend. It can be seen that dietary factors are also closely related to the occurrence of colorectal cancer. Therefore, it is necessary to develop good living habits. In terms of diet, eat more vegetables and fruits, and eat less high-fat foods; mentally, look at negative events in life correctly and maintain an optimistic and cheerful personality. In this way, some adverse environmental factors can be eliminated and the risk of colorectal cancer can be kept away from us.