Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tuzla and Faculty of Food Technology, University of J. J. Strossmayer Osijek
Abstract
Diet plays crucial role in colorectal cancer (CRC), from incidence to progression. It is the second cause of death due to carcinoma in Croatia, with significant regional differences. The aim of this observational study was to determine dietary habits of CRC patients, and whether their diet differs by region. A total of 60 patients with non-metastatic CRC, 30 from Slavonia and 30 from Dalmatia participated in the study. Two thirds of patients from both regions changed their diet for better after CRC diagnosis. However, one third of patients do not get any physical activity. Patients do not differ in their energy intake or intake of vitamins or minerals. Still, high contribution of fats (>40%) and low contribution of carbohydrates in the total daily energy intake was found. Contribution of proteins is higher in Slavonia (p=0.040). More patients from Dalmatia have intake of calcium <700 mg/day (43.3% vs 33.3%). Alcohol is consumed more often by patients from Dalmatia (p<0.001) and higher consumption of alcohol correlates with the high risk diet profile which was found in 66.7% of patients from Dalmatia in comparison to 36.7% patients from Slavonia (p=0.020). The results point out some regional differences in the diet which need further analysis
