# Temporal Eating Patterns and Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review

## TL;DR

This review explores how when and how often people eat may affect colorectal cancer risk, suggesting that late-night eating and frequent meals with unhealthy foods could increase risk.

## Contribution

The study systematically reviews how temporal eating patterns, not just diet quality, may influence colorectal cancer risk.

## Key findings

- Short interval between last meal and bedtime is linked to higher colorectal cancer risk.
- Higher meal frequency with unhealthy foods and skipping breakfast may increase CRC risk.
- Elevated CRC risk is potentially tied to circadian rhythm disruption and inflammation.

## Abstract

In addition to diet quality, which influences the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), temporal eating patterns, such as meal frequency, duration, regularity, and timing, may also play an important role. Recent studies have suggest that these eating patterns can influence CRC risk; however, dietary guidelines predominantly emphasise modifying the intake of specific food items to reduce risk and promote overall health. Additionally, comprehensive studies examining the relationship between temporal eating patterns and CRC risk are lacking. This review aimed to synthesise the available evidence on how temporal eating patterns may affect CRC risk and mortality. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a systematic literature review was conducted using databases such as Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and ProQuest, ultimately including 20 relevant articles.

Higher eating frequency, particularly when involving unhealthy foods, along with skipping breakfast and increased snacking may elevate CRC risk. Furthermore, a short interval between the last meal and bedtime has been associated with an increased risk of CRC and related mortality.

The findings suggest that a short interval between the last meal and bedtime may increase CRC risk, potentially through mechanisms such as circadian rhythm disruption, oxidative stress, and inflammation. In addtion, higher meal frequency, particularly when coupled with an unhealthy diet, appears to further elevate the risk. Future research should employ standardised definitions and detailed assessment of 24-hour eating patterns to better elucidate their relationship with CRC outcomes.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13668-025-00700-w.