Microbiome Dysbiosis, Dietary Intake and Lifestyle-Associated Factors Involve in Epigenetic Modulations in Colorectal Cancer - A Narrative Review - Cancer Control Volume 31 - 1-21

Sep 21, 2026

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Colorectal cancer contributes substantially to global cancer mortality and diagnosis burden. This narrative review synthesizes evidence that gut microbiome dysbiosis, via microbial metabolites and toxins, can activate epigenetic processes that drive colorectal cancer development. It also evaluates how increased consumption of a Westernized diet and lifestyle exposures, particularly excessive alcohol intake, influence these epigenetic modulations. The review further considers the translational potential of microbiome, diet, and alcohol-related factors as biomarkers to support colorectal cancer diagnosis and management.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages21

Reading Time53 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Background

Purpose

Methods

Conclusions

Introduction

Colorectal cancer burden and risk factors

Definition and anatomy

Pathogenesis and carcinogenesis models

Microbiome Dysbiosis, Dietary Intake and Lifestyle-Associated Factors Involve in Epigenetic Modulations in Colorectal Cancer: A Narrative Review Cancer Control Volume 31: 1–21 © The Author(s) 2024 Article reuse guidelines: [sagepub.com/journals-permissions](sagepub.com/journals-permissions) [DOI: 10.1177/10732748241263650](DOI: 10.1177/10732748241263650)[ ](DOI: 10.1177/10732748241263650)[journals.sagepub.com/home/ccx](journals.sagepub.com/home/ccx) Genevieve Kwao-Zigah 1,* 􀀁, Antionette Bediako-Bowan2,3,*, Pius Agyenim Boateng 1, Gloria Kezia Aryee4, Stacy Magdalene Abbang 1, Gabriel Atampugbire 1 􀀁 , Osbourne Quaye 1, and Emmanuel A. Tagoe4 􀀁 Abstract Background: Colorectal cancer is the second cause of cancer mortality and the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. Current data available implicate epigenetic modulations in colorectal cancer development. The health of the large bowel is impacted by gut microbiome dysbiosis, which may lead to colon and rectum cancers. The release of microbial metabolites and toxins by these microbiotas has been shown to activate epigenetic processes leading to colorectal cancer development. Increased consumption of a‘Westernized diet’ and certain lifestyle factors such as excessive consumption of alcohol have been associated with colorectal cancer. Purpose: In this review, we seek to examine current knowledge on the involvement of gut microbiota, dietary factors, and alcohol consumption in colorectal cancer development through epigenetic modulations. Methods: A review of several published articles focusing on the mechanism of how changes in the gut microbiome, diet, and excessive alcohol consumption contribute to colorectal cancer development and the potential of using these factors as biomarkers for colorectal cancer diagnosis. Conclusions: This review presents scientiﬁc ﬁndings that provide a hopeful future for manipulating gut microbiome, diet, and alcohol consumption in colorectal cancer patients’ management and care. Keywords colorectal cancer, microbial metabolites, dietary intake, microbiome, epigenetic Received November 2, 2023. Received revised May 18, 2024. Accepted for publication June 4, 2024. 1 Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology/West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana 2Department of Surgery, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana 3Department of Surgery, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana 4Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana *Authors contributed equally. Corresponding Author: Emmanuel A. Tagoe, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle Bu Accra, Ghana. Email: [eatagoe@ug.edu.gh](eatagoe@ug.edu.gh) Creative Commons Non Commercial CC BY-NC: This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 License ([https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/)) which permits non-commercial use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as speciﬁed on the SAGE and Open Access pages ([https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/open-access-at-sage](https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/open-access-at-sage)). Introduction Colorectal cancer remains the second cause of cancer mortality and the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide.1 The global estimated incidence of colorectal cancer in 2020 was 1.9 million cases and is anticipated to increase to 3.2 million cases in 2040 due to population growth and lifestyle changes.1 Wide variations in colorectal cancer incidence have been reported across the global regions with the increase attributed to economic growth, westernization of diet, and lifestyle patterns.2 Migrants and epidemiological studies conducted over some time have

FAQs

How does gut microbiome dysbiosis relate to epigenetic modulation in colorectal cancer?

The article explains that microbial metabolites and toxins released by dysbiotic microbiota can activate epigenetic processes, contributing to colorectal cancer development.

Which dietary and lifestyle factors are linked to colorectal cancer in the review?

The review highlights increased consumption of a Westernized diet and certain lifestyle factors, especially excessive alcohol consumption, as associated with colorectal cancer development.

What is the main objective and approach of this narrative review?

The review aims to examine current knowledge on gut microbiota, dietary factors, and alcohol consumption in colorectal cancer development through epigenetic modulations, using mechanisms discussed across published articles and considering biomarker potential.

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Violet