A recent study has found that eating a certain food for breakfast every day could help to reduce the risk of developing aggressive forms of colorectal cancer
A scientist has revealed that a simple breakfast choice could significantly lower the risk of deadly bowel cancer. Justin Stebbing, Professor of Biomedical Sciences at Anglia Ruskin University, shared his insights on The Conversation website, discussing how recent research indicates a certain morning meal can offer protection against cancer.
The medical community is alarmed by the sharp rise in colorectal cancer cases among individuals under 55, which has doubled worldwide in recent years. Diet, particularly the increase in ultra-processed foods, is believed to be a major contributing factor.
Prof Stebbing remarked: “As a consultant oncologist, many people have asked me how their risk can be reduced.”
He highlighted that “The emerging evidence suggests that regular yoghurt consumption may have a protective effect against certain aggressive forms of colorectal cancer by modifying the gut microbiome, the natural bacteria that live in the gut.
“The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in overall health, influencing digestion, immune function and even cancer risk.”
He further explained that “The gut bacteria can live inside cancer itself, and in general a healthy balance of these bacteria is thought to be essential for maintaining a strong immune system and preventing inflammation, which can contribute to cancer development.”
Professor Stebbing believes yoghurt can be beneficial because it contains live cultures of helpful bacteria, including lactobacillus bulgaricus and streptococcus thermophilus, which can help preserve this equilibrium.
He explained: “The study found that consuming two or more servings of yoghurt per week was associated with a lower risk of a specific type of aggressive colorectal cancer, which occurs on the right side of the colon and is associated with poorer survival outcomes compared with cancers on the left side.”
Research analysed 150,000 people
The investigation examined data from more than 150,000 participants monitored over several decades, suggesting that prolonged yoghurt consumption might modify the gut microbiome in ways that offer protection against certain cancers.
Scientists questioned the participants every two years regarding their yoghurt consumption, and assessed the levels of Bifidobacterium (a bacterial strain present in yoghurt) in the tumour tissue of 3,079 individuals from the sample who developed colorectal cancer.
Whilst yoghurt didn’t directly reduce the risk for all forms of colorectal cancer, individuals who consumed two or more servings of yoghurt weekly showed a reduced risk of developing “Bifidobacterium-positive proximal colon cancer”, a variant of colorectal cancer that develops in the right side of the colon and has amongst the poorest survival rates. Nutritional scientist Prof Tim Spector, the brains behind the Zoe app, has divulged that he tucks into yoghurt “most days of the week” due to its benefits for a healthy gut microbiome – a key player in digestion and maintaining a robust immune system.
Tim remarked: “For yoghurts I never go for fat-free products. I don’t like the taste of them and they’re not good for my sugar spikes either.”
He further noted in his video caption: “By choosing fat containing yoghurts I feel fuller for longer and I also prefer the taste.”
Yoghurt is packed with calcium, making it a champion for bone health and a deterrent against osteoporosis. Regular indulgence in yoghurt has also been linked to lower blood pressure and a diminished risk of cardiovascular disease.
Some research even hints that yoghurt consumption might be instrumental in warding off type 2 diabetes and other illnesses.
Cases of bowel cancer
When it comes to bowel cancer, nearly 45,000 new cases are diagnosed annually in the UK, ranking it as the country’s fourth most common cancer and third on a global scale – yet many instances could be avoided. Data from Cancer Research UK suggests that 54% of all bowel cancers could be dodged by leading a healthier lifestyle.
Smoking, sedentary habits, alcohol consumption, processed meats, and a subpar diet are all significant contributors to the onset of bowel cancer.
For more information on bowel cancer visit the NHS website here.
