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.

Inclusion criteria

• Persons ages 19 and older
• The subject has been properly informed of the study, they agree to participate, and sign the Informed Consent document(s)
• Measured body mass index of 25-45 kg/m2 at the study eligibility visit months OR waist circumference > 88 cm for women or > 102 cm for men.
• Reasonably stable weight in the last two months
• Increased risk of colorectal cancer as defined by: Prior adenomatous polyp or serrated polyp OR prior resected early stage CRC (Stage I-IIIA or T1-3, N0-1, M0) OR a history of CRC in at least one primary relative or in at least two secondary relatives OR a polyp was found with a recommended follow-up colonoscopy in less than 8 years OR A known genetic condition that increases risk of CRC
• Good general health
• Have reasonable control over their own dietary intakes
• Not expecting major lifestyle changes in the next 12 months.
• Not expecting a change in hormonal therapies over the next 12 months
• Have and use a smartphone with web access
• Can be contacted by telephone for support calls
• Read and speak English
• Are able to follow a diet high in fiber-containing foods
• Agree to be randomized to a control condition of usual care versus a dietary intervention involving app use and telephone contacts
• Successfully complete three 24-hour dietary recalls online prior to baseline with plausible dietary intakes
• If taking medications for conditions that are affected by diet (diabetes, high blood pressure) must be willing to continue to follow-up with their personal medical provider as needed to manage those conditions and the medication dosing, which may need to be adjusted due to diet changes.
• Has been properly informed of the study and signed the Informed Consent document

Exclusion criteria

• Persons with BMI >45 kg/m2 since very high BMI values could indicate more prevalent health problems.
• On medically prescribed diets or other medical contraindications to dietary modification
• Are within 12 months of bariatric surgery
• Pregnant or lactating women or women contemplating pregnancy for the duration of the protocol
• Taking anti-coagulants that interfere with ability to obtain a blood sample
• Has a history of cytotoxic treatment (radiation, chemotherapy) for any type cancer within the last 12 months, except for basal cell or squamous cell tumors of the skin that have been surgically excised and required no further treatment
• Have cancer at the present time
• Dietary intakes with substantial nutrient deficiencies that would require extensive counseling to correct, such as obtaining a large portion of calories from alcohol
• Unable to make their own daily food choices
• Showing evidence of lack of reliability or non-adherence to study procedures (for example, missing an eligibility screening or baseline enrollment appointment more than twice; unable to recall the previous day's diet)
• Reported dietary intakes reported that are not plausible or highly unusual as reported on the ASA24 (for example: <500 or >3500 kcal/day for women and <800 or >4200 kcal/day for men; or reporting too few foods eaten)
• Has an infectious disease at the present time (such as HIV or hepatitis C).
• Unable to read, write, or speak English
• Unable to give informed consent