A Systematic Review of the Impact of Dietary and Lifestyle Factors on Colorectal Cancer Prevention in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant health burden in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, necessitating a deeper understanding of modifiable risk factors. Thus, the aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of dietary and lifestyle factors on the prevention of CRCin GCC countries. Studies were identified through electronic searches and reviewed based on relevant keywords. Databases searched included Ovid's MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, covering titles and abstracts published between January 1, 2000and July 25, 2024. The search strategy encompassed four thematic areas: "colorectal cancer,""adults above 18," "risk factors," and "GCC countries." The primary focus was on dietary and lifestyle factors. Two reviewers screened titles and abstracts to determine whether the inclusion criteria were met. A total of 1,883 records were identified across these databases. After removing 513 duplicate records, 1,370 records were screened based on titles and abstracts. Of these, 1,284 records were excluded, leaving 86 full-text articles for assessment. Eight studies were ultimately included in the final systematic review, consisting of seven case-control studies and one cross-sectional study. In GCC countries, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber has shown protective effects against CRC, while high red meat and refined carbohydrate intake may increase risk. Regular physical activity reduces CRC risk, though the impact of smoking remains inconclusive. Evidence regarding dairy products is contradictory. There is a shortage of high-quality longitudinal studies, highlighting gaps in current research and underscoring the need for larger studies with consistent methodologies.