A Simple Guide to Inflammation, Insulin Resistance, and Cancer Prevention
Before You Begin
Take your time reading this. There is no rush.
By the end of this article, you will understand:
-
- What colorectal cancer is
- The difference between colon cancer and rectal cancer
- The stages of colorectal cancer
- Why screening helps
- Why are cases rising in younger adults
- How insulin resistance and inflammation may raise risk
- Why markers like C-reactive protein and fatty acid balance matter
- What you can do to lower your risk
The big idea is simple:
Cancer often grows in a body with long-term inflammation.
Inflammation can be measured.
Inflammation can often be improved.
Why James Van Der Beek’s Story Matters
James Van Der Beek, known for his role on the television show Dawson’s Creek, publicly faced colorectal cancer. His story underscores that this disease affects individuals of all ages.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States and one of the leading causes of cancer-related death [1].
Screening saves lives. But understanding what is happening inside the body matters just as much.
What Is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or the rectum. These are parts of your large intestine.
Most colorectal cancers begin as small growths called polyps. Think of a polyp like a small bump on the inside wall of your colon.
Many polyps are harmless. But over time, some can change.
It is like a crack in concrete. If pressure continues to build and no repairs are made, the crack grows. In the same way, a polyp can slowly turn into cancer over 10 to 15 years [2].
This occurs when damage accumulates in deoxyribonucleic acid, the body’s instruction manual. When key regulatory genes malfunction, cells can proliferate unchecked [2].
Is Colon Cancer the Same as Colorectal Cancer?
Not exactly.
Colorectal cancer can begin in either the colon or the rectum.
If the cancer starts in the colon, it is called colon cancer.
If it starts in the rectum, it is called rectal cancer.
When doctors say colorectal cancer, they are talking about cancers that begin in either place.
They are grouped together because they start in similar ways, grow in similar ways, and are found using the same screening tests.
The Stages of Colorectal Cancer
Doctors divide colorectal cancer into stages:
Stage 0: Only on the surface
Stage I: Growing into deeper layers
Stage II: Growing through the wall
Stage III: Spread to nearby lymph nodes
Stage IV: Spread to distant organs
The earlier it is detected, the greater the likelihood of recovery [3].
Why Screening Helps
A colonoscopy is like sending a camera into the colon.
If a doctor finds a polyp, they remove it.
It is like removing a weed before it sets seed.
Because of screening, colorectal cancer rates have dropped in adults over age 50 [4].
But in adults under 50, rates have risen since the 1990s [1]. That tells us something else may be influencing risk.
Insulin Resistance: The Growth Fertilizer
Insulin helps move sugar from your blood into your cells.
But when insulin stays high for too long, it can act like fertilizer.
It encourages cells to grow.
It also increases insulin-like growth factor-1, which promotes growth and slows normal cell cleanup [5].
If cells grow too quickly and damaged cells are not removed, the risk increases.
Some people have insulin resistance even when their blood sugar appears normal.
Inflammation: The Slow Fire
Inflammation helps you heal.
But long-term, low-level inflammation is like a small fire that never goes out.
That fire can:
-
- Damage cells
- Damage to deoxyribonucleic acid
- Turn on growth signals
- Help tumors grow
Colon tumors often show signs of this ongoing inflammatory process [6].
C-Reactive Protein and Fatty Acid Balance
C-reactive protein is a blood test that measures inflammation. Think of it like smoke. When you see smoke, you know something is burning.
Higher C-reactive protein levels have been linked to higher colorectal cancer risk [7, 8].
But C-reactive protein reflects inflammation after it is already active. It shows that the fire is burning. It does not explain what is feeding it.
Fatty acid balance looks earlier in the process.
Your body uses omega-6 fats and omega-3 fats to create signaling chemicals. These chemicals can either increase or calm inflammation.
Too much omega-6 and not enough omega-3 can increase inflammatory signals [9].
One key metric is the arachidonic acid-to-eicosapentaenoic acid ratio.
Think of arachidonic acid as dry wood and eicosapentaenoic acid as water.
If there is too much dry wood and not enough water, the fire spreads more easily.
Researchers in Europe, Asia, and the United States have studied fatty acid balance as a marker of inflammatory tone and long-term disease risk. While it is not a replacement for C-reactive protein in standard medical practice, it provides insight into the biological fuel that influences inflammation.
Higher omega-3 intake has been associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer in some studies [10].
This ratio does not diagnose cancer.
It helps describe the environment in which cancer may grow.
C-reactive protein shows the smoke.
Fatty acid balance shows the fuel.
Polyphenols: The Cell Protectors
Polyphenols are natural compounds found in fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, tea, and olive products.
They help protect cells from damage and calm inflammatory signals [11].
Think of them as helpers that keep the fire under control.
Fiber and the Gut
Fiber feeds healthy gut bacteria.
These bacteria produce a substance called butyrate. Butyrate fuels colonic cells and promotes the removal of damaged cells [12].
Higher fiber intake has been associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer [13].
Without enough fiber, the gut becomes less protective.
The DO-HEALTH Study
The DO-HEALTH study examined older adults who took vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids and performed simple home exercises.
When these three strategies were combined, the risk of invasive cancer decreased compared with controls [14].
This study shows that layered healthy habits may influence cancer risk.
No single supplement prevents cancer.
But improving the body’s environment matters.
A Simple Way to Understand Risk
Colorectal cancer risk may rise when:
Genetics
-
- High insulin
- Long-term inflammation
- High omega-6 and low omega-3
- Low fiber
- Low plant intake
All come together.
Cancer often grows in stressed soil.
What You Can Do
If lowering your risk of colorectal cancer and other chronic diseases truly matters to you, this is your moment to act.
Do not wait for a scare.
Do not wait for symptoms.
Do not wait for someone else’s story to become your own.
You cannot change your genetics.
But you can change your internal environment.
Start with what you can measure.
Inflammation is not just a word. It is biology.
And biology can be tested.
When you measure your inflammation and fatty acid balance, you move from uncertainty to clarity. You gain real numbers. You gain direction.
Once you know your metrics, you can improve them.
If someone shared this article with you, ask them how to access an at-home inflammation test.
If you have questions, email me directly at robert@dietfreelife.com.
You may also schedule a free consultation to review your results, understand their implications, and develop a clear plan to improve them.
Screening removes polyps.
Improving your inflammation improves your terrain.
Your future health is built on the steady decisions you make today.
References
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- American Cancer Society. (2024). Cancer facts & figures 2024.
- Fearon, E. R., & Vogelstein, B. (1990). A genetic model for colorectal tumorigenesis. Cell, 61(5), 759–767.
- National Cancer Institute. (2023). Colorectal cancer treatment (Physician Data Query)–Health professional version.
- Zauber, A. G., et al. (2012). Colonoscopic polypectomy and long-term prevention of colorectal-cancer deaths. New England Journal of Medicine, 366(8), 687–696.
- Giovannucci, E. (2001). Insulin, insulin-like growth factors, and colon cancer. Journal of Nutrition, 131(11), 3109S–3120S.
- Terzić, J., et al. (2010). Inflammation and colon cancer. Gastroenterology, 138(6), 2101–2114.
- Tsilidis, K. K., et al. (2008). C-reactive protein and colorectal cancer risk. International Journal of Cancer, 123(5), 1133–1140.
- Zhou, B., et al. (2014). C-reactive protein and colorectal cancer: A meta-analysis. Cancer Causes & Control, 25(10), 1397–1405.
- Simopoulos, A. P. (2002). Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid balance. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 56(8), 365–379.
- Song, M., et al. (2016). Marine omega-3 intake and colorectal cancer risk. Gut, 65(4), 603–610.
- Scalbert, A., et al. (2005). Polyphenols: Antioxidants and beyond. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 81(1), 215S–217S.
- Louis, P., & Flint, H. J. (2017). Butyrate formation by the human colon microbiota. Environmental Microbiology, 19(1), 29–41.
- Aune, D., et al. (2011). Dietary fibre and colorectal cancer risk. The British Medical Journal, 343, d6617.
- Bischoff-Ferrari, H. A., et al. (2022). Vitamin D, omega-3, and exercise for cancer prevention. Frontiers in Aging, 3, 852643.
__________
Robert Ferguson is a California- and Florida-based single father of two daughters, clinical nutritionist, Omega Balancing Coach™, researcher, best-selling author, speaker, podcast and television host, health advisor, NAACP Image Award Nominee, creator of the Diet Free Life methodology, and Chief Nutrition Officer for iCoura Health. He also serves on the Presidential Task Force on Obesity for the National Medical Association and the Health and Product Advisory Board for Zinzino, Inc.
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