Colon cancers are increasing among those under 50, worrying doctors and remaining among the deadliest. In this context, an oncology specialist affirms that a simple everyday food, easily added to lunch, could reduce the risk of this intestinal cancer. A gesture so banal that it surprises.
The role of the intestinal microbiota
Justin Stebbing, professor of biomedicine and oncologist, explains this process further. “As a cancer specialist, many people have asked me how to reduce their risk. New data suggests that regular yogurt consumption may have a protective effect against certain aggressive forms of colorectal cancer. And this, by modifying the intestinal microbiota, the natural bacteria that live in the intestine.he explained, quoted by The Conversation.
He adds: “The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in overall health, influencing digestion, the immune system and even cancer risk. Gut bacteria can live inside the cancer itself. And, generally speaking, a healthy balance of these bacteria is thought to be essential for maintaining a strong immune system and preventing inflammation, which can contribute to the development of cancer.”.
Colorectal cancer: a yogurt to target the most aggressive forms
In France, the colorectal cancer affects around 47,600 people each year and causes nearly 17,100 deaths, according to Public Health France. Diagnoses are exploding among those under 55, while a sedentary lifestyle, alcohol, tobacco and ultra-processed foods are becoming more widespread. Many oncologists see this as a warning sign.
Justin Stebbing reports that a large cohort study followed more than 150,000 people over several decades. “The study showed that consuming two or more servings of yogurt per week was associated with a lower risk of a specific type of aggressive colorectal cancer. This occurs on the right side of the colon and is accompanied by poorer chances of survival than cancers on the left side,” he explained.
The authors remain cautious because this is an observational study. A parallel analysis speaks of a drop of around 20% for these so-called proximal tumors.
What Yogurt Does to Your Gut Microbiota
Yogurt contains live bacteria like
Lactobacillus bulgaricus,
Streptococcus thermophilus and
Bifidobacteriumwhich nourish the intestinal microbiota.
Work published in 2019 showed that among men, eating at least two yogurts per week was linked to around 20% lower risk of colorectal adenoma and 26% lower risk for high-risk precancerous lesions. Leads which converge towards a key role of probiotics.
Which yogurt to choose for the prevention of colon cancer?
Nutrition expert Tim Spector explains that he eats yogurt “most days of the week”. “For yogurts, I never choose fat-free products. I don’t like their taste and they’re not good for my sugar highs.”he concluded, quoted by the site Get Surrey.
In the caption of his video, he added: “By choosing yogurts with fat, I feel fuller for longer and I also prefer their taste.”