A scientist has discussed how the risk of deadly bowel cancer can be significantly reduced by consuming one item for breakfast each day. Justin Stebbing, Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University.

A prominent scientist has highlighted a simple dietary change that could significantly lower the risk of developing deadly bowel cancer. Justin Stebbing, a Professor of Biomedical Sciences at Anglia Ruskin University, has shared insightful findings on this matter.

Writing for The Conversation, Stebbing detailed a recent study indicating that a specific breakfast choice might offer protection against the onset of cancer.

Medical professionals are growing increasingly alarmed by the sharp rise in colorectal cancer cases among people under 55, which has doubled worldwide in recent years. Diet, particularly the consumption of ultra-processed foods, is believed to play a major role in this troubling trend.

Professor Stebbing noted, “As a consultant oncologist, I am often asked how individuals can lower their cancer risk.”

He continued, “Emerging evidence suggests that regular consumption of yogurt may provide protective benefits against certain aggressive colorectal cancer types by positively affecting the gut microbiome, which is the community of natural bacteria residing in the gut.”

“The gut microbiome is essential to overall well-being, impacting digestion, immune health, and even cancer susceptibility,” Stebbing added.

The reason Prof Stebbing believes yoghurt can be beneficial is because it contains live cultures of helpful bacteria, such as lactobacillus bulgaricus and streptococcus thermophilus, which can assist in maintaining this balance.

He said: “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 examined 150,000 individuals.

The study examined data from over 150,000 participants monitored for several decades, suggesting that long-term yoghurt consumption may modify the gut microbiome in ways that safeguard against certain cancers.

Researchers questioned the participants every two years about their yoghurt consumption, and measured the quantity of Bifidobacterium (a type of bacteria present in yoghurt) in the tumour tissue of 3,079 individuals within the sample who were diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

Whilst yoghurt did not directly reduce the risk for all types of colorectal cancer, those who consumed two or more servings of yoghurt per week had a reduced risk of developing “Bifidobacterium-positive proximal colon cancer”, a type of colorectal cancer that develops in the right side of the colon and has one of the poorest survival rates. Nutritional scientist Prof Tim Spector, founder of the Zoe app, revealed that he consumes yoghurt “most days of the week” as it is perfect for a healthy gut microbiome – something that can assist digestion and maintain a robust immune system.

Tim stated: “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.”

In the video caption he added: “By choosing fat containing yoghurts I feel fuller for longer and I also prefer the taste.”

Yoghurt contains calcium meaning it’s beneficial for bones and warding off osteoporosis. Regular yoghurt consumption has also been linked with lower blood pressure and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

Some studies suggest that yoghurt intake may help prevent type 2 diabetes and other diseases too.

Cases of bowel cancer

There are nearly 45,000 cases of bowel cancer every year in the UK, making it the nation’s fourth most common cancer, and third worldwide – but many of these are preventable. According to Cancer Research UK data, 54% of all bowel cancers could be prevented by leading a healthier lifestyle.

Smoking, lack of exercise, alcohol, consuming processed meat, and poor diet are all significant factors in the development of bowel cancer.