title: Constipation and colorectal cancer risk: the Fukuoka Colorectal Cancer Study.
abstract: Constipation has been suspected to be linked to colorectal cancer risk, but epidemiological evidence is inconclusive. We described the prevalence of constipation and related lifestyle factors in a community and examined the relation of constipation and other bowel habits to colorectal cancer risk. The prevalence study was based on 833 community controls in the Fukuoka Colorectal Cancer Study, and 212 cases of Dukes' stage A were used in a study on bowel habits and colorectal cancer risk. Bowel habits were assessed by in-person interview. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of colorectal cancer were estimated with adjustment for dietary and nondietary factors. Constipation was reported by 10.3% of men and 27.7% of women. Individuals with less frequent bowel movements had a lower intake of total energy and were physically less active. The multivariate-adjusted OR (95% CI) of colorectal cancer were 1.51 (1.02-2.25) for self-reported constipation, 1.60 (1.05-2.44) for functional constipation, and 1.24 (0.81-1.90) for infrequent bowel movements (<1 stool/day). Self-reported constipation was fairly common in Japanese adults. Constipation was associated with a moderately increased risk of colorectal cancer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan. ntashiro@phealth.med.kyushu-u.ac.jp
authors.forename: Naotaka
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Tashiro
authors.forename: Sanjeev
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Budhathoki
authors.forename: Keizo
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ohnaka
authors.forename: Kengo
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Toyomura
authors.forename: Suminori
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kono
authors.forename: Takashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ueki
authors.forename: Masao
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tanaka
authors.forename: Yoshihiro
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kakeji
authors.forename: Yoshihiko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Maehara
authors.forename: Takeshi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Okamura
authors.forename: Koji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ikejiri
authors.forename: Kitaroh
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Futami
authors.forename: Takafumi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Maekawa
authors.forename: Yohichi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yasunami
authors.forename: Kenji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Takenaka
authors.forename: Hitoshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ichimiya
authors.forename: Reiji
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Terasaka
mesh_terms: D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D003248:Constipation / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000379:methods; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan / Q000453:epidemiology; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012307:Risk Factors