While bowel cancer represents a daunting prospect, research continues to suggest that your risk of the potentially deadly condition is modifiable.

One of the strongest weapons you can add to your arsenal of protection against this type of cancer is a healthy diet.

In fact, research suggests that 54 percent of all bowel cancers, which are found anywhere in the large bowel which includes the colon and rectum, could be prevented by making simple changes to your diet and lifestyle, according to the UK Health Security Agency.

Fortunately, a gastroenterologist has revealed four powerful foods that could do this with gusto.

Dr Joseph Salhab took to his TikTok to outline the healthy snacks that can “fight colon cancer”.

1.Watermelon

A staple of summer, watermelon can do more than just offer a refreshing bite. Dr Salhab explained that a higher intake of the popular fruit can lower the risk of colon cancer by 26 percent.

The doctor shared that the red food holds these powers thanks to its content of antioxidant called lycopene, water and electrolytes.

2.Citrus fruits

Another snack that the gastroenterologist recommended is citruses. The colourful, zesty fruits have been “shown to lower risk of both stomach and colon cancer” in research.

Plus, the fresh foods are packed with vitamin C, which can increase beneficial gut bacteria, according to the doctor.

A review of current studies, published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology, suggests that a healthy gut microbiome could be crucial because the colorectal region is a site where changes in the gut microbiota can influence the organs directly.

The researchers penned that bowel cancer is considered to be affected by the gut microbiome more than other tumours. What’s more, studies of the gut microbiome revealed that an imbalance in bacterial composition within the gut occurred more frequently in people with bowel cancer than in healthy people.

3.Apples

Easy to have on the go, apples can lower your risk of colon cancer by a whopping 25 percent.

Similarly to citruses, these crunchy foods can also benefit your gut bacteria, further boosting your bowel health.

4.Kiwi fruit

Dr Salhab explained that kiwi fruits can help reduce DNA damage within the colon and promote healthy bowel movements.