Revisão bibliográfica: o uso de probióticos na prevenção do câncer de colorretal

Abstract

The colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequent cancer in Brazil, excluding non-melanoma skin tumors, and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The causes of its development are multifactorial, including factors such as age over 50 years, poor dietary habits, sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking. Thus, CRC has a high potential for primary prevention. Studies have shown that a healthy intestinal microbiota reduces the likelihood of developing CRC. When the microbiota is "imbalanced," with a higher colonization of harmful bacteria than beneficial ones, it is referred to as dysbiosis, which is reversible. However, achieving this reversal requires adopting healthy eating habits, engaging in physical activity, and consuming a considerable amount of fiber. Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer health benefits to the host. Therefore, combining these habits with probiotic supplementation results in intestinal symbiosis, which represents the balance between bacteria. In addition to promoting the increase of beneficial bacteria, it also provides an antioxidant profile and anti-carcinogenic compounds, thereby reducing the chances of developing CRC.