Bowel cancer—also known as colorectal cancer—is rising at an alarming rate, especially among younger adults, and experts are now urging the inclusion of a simple breakfast item in daily diets to help reduce the risk: yogurt. A recent study has revealed that bowel cancer cases among those under 55 have more than doubled in recent decades. In England alone, the incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer—cases among 25 to 49-year-olds—is increasing by an average of 3.6 per cent each year, according to Cancer Research UK.

Globally, bowel cancer has emerged as the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with lifestyle factors playing a significant role in its rise.

Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, commented, “This flagship study reveals that increasing rates of early-onset bowel cancer, affecting adults aged 25 to 49, is a global issue. This research has revealed that rates are rising more sharply in England than in many other countries around the world.”

Ultra-Processed Foods May Be to Blame

One major contributor to the surge in cases is the consumption of ultra-processed foods, which now make up a significant part of the Western diet. These foods, often high in sugar, fats, and additives, can alter the gut microbiome—an internal ecosystem of bacteria that plays a key role in digestion, immune response, and disease prevention. Disruption in this microbiome has been linked to inflammation and cancer development.

Yogurt’s Role in Cancer Prevention

Justin Stebbing, Professor of Biomedical Sciences at Anglia Ruskin University, has explained the potentially protective role of yogurt. “Emerging evidence suggests that regular yoghurt consumption may have a protective effect against certain aggressive forms of colorectal cancer by modifying the gut microbiome,” he explained.

How Yogurt Supports Gut Health

Yogurt, particularly the type rich in probiotics like Bifidobacterium, can help promote a healthier gut environment. “The gut bacteria can live inside cancer itself,” Stebbing shared. “In general, a healthy balance of these bacteria is essential for maintaining a strong immune system and preventing inflammation, which can contribute to cancer development.”

Study Shows Lower Risk with Regular Yogurt Intake

A major study involving 150,000 participants showed that those who consumed two or more servings of yogurt per week had a significantly lower risk of developing a specific and aggressive type of bowel cancer known as proximal colon cancer, which occurs on the right side of the colon. This type is often more challenging to detect early and is associated with poorer survival outcomes.

Researchers measured the presence of Bifidobacterium in tumour tissue over a two-year period. They found that individuals with higher yoghurt consumption were less likely to develop “Bifidobacterium-positive proximal colon cancer,” suggesting a tangible benefit of probiotic-rich foods in cancer prevention.

Small Dietary Changes Can Have Big Impact

This finding aligns with growing research linking gut health to overall well-being, including cancer resistance. Stebbing explains the importance of making simple dietary changes, stating, “Small, consistent habits like including yogurt in your breakfast can lead to meaningful differences in long-term health outcomes.”

While experts stress that yoghurt is not a cure-all, its regular inclusion in the diet—particularly as part of a balanced and minimally processed eating plan—may serve as a valuable preventive measure amid the rising tide of bowel cancer cases in younger populations.

As bowel cancer increases, especially among younger adults, lifestyle interventions—including what we choose to eat for breakfast are important. Adding a probiotic-rich food like yogurt could be one simple way to protect the long-term gut and overall health.

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