South Korea Becomes The Country With The Most Cases Ofsus Cancer, Soju Is The Trigger

Illustration of soju that causes cancer. (Freepic)

JAKARTA - South Korea now holds a record that is not proud, namely the highest number of colon cancer cases (colorectal) in the world. The main cause is not only an increasingly dominant Western-style diet, but also alcohol consumption, especially soju.

A recent study led by Prof. Kang Dae-hee from Seoul National University College of Medicine and Prof. Shin Sang-ah from Chung-Ang University found that the high diet of fat, meat, and alcohol is closely related to the increase in intestinal cancer.

So far, colon cancer is known as West disease. But in the last 30 years, cases have jumped two to four times in East Asia, including South Korea, "explained Prof. Kang, quoted from the Korean website JoongAng Daily.

In an analysis of 82 cohort studies from Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, and Singapore, researchers found an astonishing fact, namely drinking more than 30 grams of alcohol per day, the equivalent of two cans of beer, two to three glasses of wine, or half a bottle of soju could increase the risk of collorectal cancer by up to 64 percent.

"This risk is consistent, both in colon cancer and rectum cancer," said Prof. Shin.

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Apart from alcohol, consumption of red meat and processed meat also exacerbates risk. Researchers noted that red meat increases the risk by 18 percent, while sausages, ham, and other processed products also increase risk with the same number.

Interestingly, white meat, such as chicken or turkey, is not directly related to colon cancer, but still increases the risk of rectum cancer by up to 40 percent.

The good news is, calcium intake from dairy products and small fish such as anchovies can reduce the risk of intestinal cancer by about 7 percent.

"The cassium can bind fatty acids and bile acids in the intestines, thereby reducing the impact of carcinogens," the research team explained.

Food patterns rich in vegetables, fruit, seeds, and fat-free protein also provide a protective effect. Researchers found that those who eat healthy foods regularly have 15 percent lower risk of developing colon cancer.

Prof. Kang emphasized that these findings are very relevant to Asian countries.

"It is difficult to apply Western research results to Asia due to differences in eating patterns and cooking methods. This analysis shows that reducing alcohol and processed meat can be a key strategy to prevent intestinal cancer in Asia." he said.

Although the number of cases has increased rapidly, experts are optimistic that this disease can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle. The trick is to limit red and processed meat, reduce drinking alcohol, exercise regularly, and increase the consumption of vegetables and fruit.