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Did you know that colon cancer rates are going up among young people? It’s a bit worrying, but there’s some good news too. A new study says that eating yogurt might help protect you from a dangerous type of colon cancer. Let’s take a closer look at what the study found and why yogurt could be a smart addition to your diet.
The Rising Risk of Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States for both men and women. It’s also the third leading cause of cancer deaths. But here’s something surprising: more young people are getting it. In 1995, only 11% of colon cancer cases were in people under 55. By 2019, that number had doubled to 20%. That’s a big jump in just a few decades!
Why Are Rates Going Up?
No one knows for sure why colon cancer is becoming more common in younger people. Some experts think it might be because of the foods we eat. Many young people eat a lot of ultra-processed foods, which can lead to other health problems like obesity and inflammation. These issues might increase the risk of colon cancer. But there’s something we can do to help lower our risk: eat yogurt!
How Yogurt Helps
A study published in the journal Gut Microbes looked at the eating habits and health of over 150,000 people for 30 years. They found that eating yogurt might protect against colon cancer. People who ate two or more servings of yogurt each week had a 20% lower chance of getting a type of colon cancer called Bifidobacterium-positive proximal colon cancer. This type of cancer is harder to treat and has worse outcomes than other types.
What’s in Yogurt?
Yogurt has live bacteria that are good for your gut. These bacteria can change your gut microbiome, which is like a community of tiny organisms in your digestive system. A healthy gut microbiome can help protect you from diseases, including colon cancer. The study suggests that yogurt’s good bacteria might be especially helpful in fighting Bifidobacterium-positive tumors.
Calcium’s Role
Another study found that eating foods high in calcium might also help protect against colon cancer. Calcium can protect the lining of your gut. Eating about 300 mg of calcium a day (about one cup of 1% milk or 3/4 cup of plain yogurt) can lower your colon cancer risk by 17%. Yogurt is a great source of calcium, so it’s a win-win!
What Experts Say
Rebecca Kehm, a cancer expert, says, “Something new is going on, making young people more at risk than past generations.” Tomotaka Ugai, MD, PhD, a co-senior author of the study, adds, “We’ve long known that yogurt is good for your gut. Our study shows it might be especially helpful for this type of colon cancer.” Andrew T. Chan, MD, another co-author, says, “This study shows how diet and gut health are linked to colon cancer risk. It gives us a new way to look at how to prevent colon cancer in young people.”
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re worried about colon cancer, eating yogurt might be a simple way to help lower your risk. Just two or more servings a week could make a difference. Plus, yogurt is tasty and easy to add to your meals. You can have it for breakfast, snack, or even dessert!
Other Ways to Stay Healthy
While yogurt can help, it’s not the only thing you can do to lower your colon cancer risk. Eating a balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is important. Staying active and maintaining a healthy weight can also make a big difference. And don’t forget to get regular check-ups with your doctor.
The Future of Research
More studies are needed to understand exactly how yogurt and other foods affect colon cancer risk. But the findings so far are promising. They give us a new way to think about how what we eat can protect us from serious diseases.
Conclusion
Colon cancer rates are going up, especially among young people. But there’s hope. Simple changes like eating yogurt can help lower your risk. With its good bacteria and calcium, yogurt is a delicious and healthy choice. So, grab a spoon and enjoy a serving of yogurt today—it might just help keep you healthier tomorrow!
