WCRF Project Group, the Netherlands, Wageningen University

Project title: Diet, dietary supplements and body fatness in colorectal tumour recurrence and survival

Renate Bröring is carrying out her PhD work as part of this project. Read her diary to find out more about the project and her progress.

 

 

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Background

At present, one in three people in the Netherlands will develop cancer at some point in their life and 90,000 new cases are diagnosed every year. But WCRF global network research shows that cancer is a largely preventable disease. About one third of the most common cancers, including colorectal cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer are preventable. For colorectal cancer in particular, about over 40% of cancer cases are preventable. This is good news because there are simple steps we can all take to reduce our risk.

As the number of colorectal cancer survivors rises in the Netherlands, there is a need for more research into the role of diet and other lifestyle factors before, during and after treatment. 

In October 2008, WCRF NL began a five-year collaboration with Wageningen University to stimulate research and education within the framework of “Nutrition and Cancer Prevention”.

WCRF Project Group, the Netherlands

Prof. Ellen Kampman who holds a personal chair on ‘Diet and Cancer’ within Wageningen University’s Division of Human Nutrition leads the collaboration, which is being undertaken by the WCRF Project Group. The Group’s main, project is entitled: Diet, dietary supplements and body fatness in colorectal tumour recurrence and survival.

Project background and aims

Some studies show that higher waist circumferences as well as a Western dietary pattern increase chances of colorectal cancer recurrence and decrease chances of colorectal cancer survival. The WCRF Project Group will investigate the links between body fatness and the Western dietary pattern in colorectal cancer survivors. This will add to our knowledge by determining whether and if so how dietary supplements and a Western dietary pattern and increased body fatness affect the risk of colorectal tumour recurrence and colorectal cancer survival.

Methods

Expected outcomes

The study will provide support for evidence-based lifestyle guidelines for colorectal cancer patients. This could potentially reveal new avenues for research, as well as knowledge in the area of management and secondary prevention in cancer survivors.

Facilities and staff

Wageningen University is one of the leading research institutions focusing on life sciences. Nutrition and Health is one of the key subject areas of Wageningen University and Research Centre. The Division has a broad expertise and outstanding facilities for academic education and research in Human Nutrition.

In addition to Prof. Ellen Kampman, the WCRF Project Group comprises a postdoctoral researcher, a PhD student, a research nurse, a dietician and a lab technician.

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