Whether you like your coffee black, decaf, half-caff or even instant, feel free to drink up because coffee consumption may decrease the risk of colorectal cancer, according to a new study.

Researchers from the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and others examined more than 5,100 men and women who had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer within the past six months. They also inspected an additional 4,000 men and women with no history of colorectal cancer to serve as a control group.

“We found that drinking coffee is associated with lower risk of colorectal cancer, and the more coffee consumed, the lower the risk,” said Stephen Gruber, MD, PhD, MPH, director of the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and senior author of the study.

The research was published in the April issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. Participants reported their daily consumption of boiled (espresso), instant, decaffeinated and filtered coffee, as well as their total intake of other liquids. A questionnaire also gathered information about many other factors that influence the risk of colorectal cancer, including family history of cancer, diet, physical activity and smoking.

After adjusting for known risk factors, the data showed that even moderate coffee consumption — between one to two servings a day — was associated with a 26 percent reduction in the odds of developing colorectal cancer. Moreover, the risk of developing colorectal cancer continued to decrease to up to 50 percent when participants drank more than 2.5 servings of coffee each day. The indication of decreased risk was seen across all types of coffee, both caffeinated and decaffeinated.

“We were somewhat surprised to see that caffeine did not seem to matter,” Gruber said. “This indicates that caffeine alone is not responsible for coffee’s protective properties.”

This extensive study was conducted by a research team led by Gad Rennert, director of the Clalit National Israeli Cancer Control Center in Haifa, Israel, together with investigators at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. One advantage of this large, population-based study is that the results are representative of many coffee-drinking populations.

“Although coffee consumption in Israel is less common and with more type-variability than in the United States, our results indicate similarities in risk reduction with use consumption of various types of coffee,” Rennert said.

“While the evidence certainly suggests this to be the case, we need additional research before advocating for coffee consumption as a preventive measure,” Gruber added. “That being said, there are few health risks to coffee consumption. I would encourage coffee lovers to revel in the strong possibility that their daily mug may lower their risk of colorectal cancer.”

Coffee contains many elements that contribute to overall colorectal health and may explain the preventive properties. Caffeine and polyphenol can act as antioxidants, limiting the growth of potential colon cancer cells. Melanoidins generated during the roasting process have been hypothesized to encourage colon mobility. Diterpenes may prevent cancer by enhancing the body’s defense against oxidative damage.

“The levels of beneficial compounds per serving of coffee vary depending on the bean, roast and brewing method,” said lead author Stephanie Schmit. “The good news is that our data presents a decreased risk of colorectal cancer regardless of what flavor or form of coffee you prefer.”’

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer that is diagnosed in both men and women in the United States, with nearly 5 percent of men and just over 4 percent of women developing the disease over their lifetime. The American Cancer Society estimates that in the United States, more than 95,000 new cases of colon cancer and 39,000 new cases of rectal cancer will be diagnosed in this year alone.

— Mary Dacuma