Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of
cancer-related mortality and is the fourth most common
malignant neoplasm in USA. Escaping apoptosis and cell mutation are the prime hallmarks of
cancer. It is apparent that balancing the network between DNA damage and DNA repair is critical in preventing
carcinogenesis. One-third of
cancers might be prevented by nutritious healthy diet, maintaining healthy weight and physical activity. In this review, an attempt is made to abridge the role of
carcinogen in
colorectal cancer establishment and prognosis, where special attention has been paid to food-borne
mutagens and functional role of beneficial human gut microbiome in evading
cancer. Further the significance of tailor-made
prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics in
cancer management by bio-antimutagenic and desmutagenic activity has been elaborated. Probiotic bacteria are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a healthy benefit on the host.
Prebiotics are a selectively fermentable non-digestible
oligosaccharide or ingredient that brings specific changes, both in the composition and/or activity of the gastrointestinal microflora, conferring health benefits. Synbiotics are a combination of probiotic bacteria and the growth promoting
prebiotic ingredients that purport "synergism."