MyGI Diet for Colorectal Cancer Prevention

Despite the large body of research that has identified the impact of diet on cancer risk, little has been done to improve how care is provided to persons who have risk factors for cancer. This study addresses prevention of colorectal cancer, the third most prevalent cancer in the U.S. Colorectal cancer is among the cancers that are most strongly affected by diet and excess adiposity, and incidence is increasing in young people below the age of 40. More efforts need to be directed at providing individuals with the tools needed for achieving and maintaining a preventive style of eating. Recommendations for cancer prevention from the American Cancer Society and American Institute for Cancer Research include advice to maintain a healthy weight, to consume more plant-based foods, and to limit red meats, processed meats, and foods with added sugar. This study addresses the development of methods that in the future could feasibly be implemented in medical and community settings to assist individuals with risk factors in attaining both the weight management and diet quality goals for prevention of colorectal cancer. The study seeks to test three dietary interventions in overweight and obese persons who have risk factors for colorectal cancer. Study participants in all groups receive the results of the Veggie Meter, breath ketones using Ketoscan and body composition testing (InBody270) at study visits. A small blood sample from the arm is taken at each visit for research on how eating affects metabolism. This study will recruit 240 participants who will be randomized to receive to 12 months of: 1) Eating Plan 1, a group that receives written information on cancer preventive diets; 2) Eating Plan 2 that encourages limiting and logging four food groups associated with increased risks, namely foods containing refined flour, added sugars, processed meats, and red meats; or 3) Eating Plan 3 that combines logging of both food groups to limit and preventive food groups to encourage. Eating Plans 2 and 3 will be supported by written educational materials, brief telephone support calls, and the study app. The main outcome is to evaluate to what extent these methods improve eating and possibly achieve weight loss over the year of study.