Colorectal cancer incidence associated with dietary patterns in the Brazilian population

Inadequate diet is one of the leading risk factors for colorectal cancer. However, the relationship between dietary patterns and colorectal cancer incidence is not conclusive. We aimed to assess the association between dietary patterns and colorectal cancer incidence in Brazilian states, using incidence estimates for the year 2020. This ecological population-based study uses the states of Brazil as analytical units. Food consumption data were obtained from the National Dietary Survey (NDS), a subsample of the Brazilian household budget survey (NDS-HBS) 2008–2009. Colorectal cancer incidence was obtained from the Brazilian National Cancer Institute according to sex. Dietary patterns were derived through factor analysis. Models with quasipoisson probability distributions were applied to associate dietary patterns with colorectal cancer incidence. Five dietary patterns were identified: Traditional Brazilian pattern- rice, beans, and red meat; Western pattern - soft drinks, sweetened beverages, snacks, fast foods, and candies; refined carbohydrate and fat pattern - bread, oils, and fats; healthy pattern – leafy and non-starchy vegetables, fruits, and eggs; and Dairy and beverage pattern - coffee and teas, dairy products, and juices. After considering variables related to nutritional status and lifestyle, colorectal cancer in men was associated with Western Pattern (IRR 1.02; 95% CI 1.01–1.04); among women, associations were significant for Western Pattern (IRR 1.03; 95% CI 1.02–1.04), 3 (IRR 1.05; 95% CI 1.01–1.09), and Healthy Pattern (IRR 1.03; 95% CI 1.01–1.05). Colorectal cancer was associated with certain Brazilian dietary patterns in both men and women. Thus, measures to promote adequate diet/nutrition in the Brazilian population should be strengthened and understood as strategies to prevent and control colorectal cancer.