Yogurt’s Potential Role in Reducing Colorectal Cancer Risk
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common and deadly cancers worldwide, but emerging research suggests that diet may play a crucial role in reducing risk. One particular food—yogurt—has been linked to a lower incidence of a particularly aggressive form of the disease.
Key Highlights:
- Consuming at least two servings of yogurt per week may help lower the risk of proximal colorectal cancer, a highly aggressive type.
- The potential protective effect of yogurt appears to be specific to this form of the disease.
- Researchers suggest that yogurt’s benefits stem from its ability to support a healthy gut microbiome, which plays a vital role in overall digestive health.
Yogurt’s Potential Role in Reducing Aggressive Colorectal Cancer Risk
Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with certain types proving more aggressive and difficult to treat than others. While genetics and lifestyle factors contribute to its development, growing evidence suggests that diet plays a critical role in lowering risk. One promising dietary component is yogurt, a food rich in probiotics that support a healthy gut microbiome. A recent study has highlighted a potential connection between regular yogurt consumption and a reduced risk of a particularly aggressive form of colorectal cancer.
The Link Between Yogurt and a Lower Cancer Risk
A new study has found that eating at least two servings of yogurt per week may be associated with a lower incidence of proximal colorectal cancer, which develops on the right side of the colon. This specific form of colorectal cancer is considered highly aggressive and presents significant treatment challenges. The research, published this week, observed that individuals who regularly consumed yogurt had a reduced likelihood of developing tumors that tested positive for the bacterial species Bifidobacterium.
Bifidobacterium is a beneficial gut bacterium commonly found in yogurt and is believed to have cancer-suppressing properties. However, the exact mechanism behind this protective effect remains unclear. “The takeaway message is that yogurt is good for your health,” says Shuji Ogino, MD, PhD, chief of molecular pathological epidemiology in the pathology department at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. “The evidence is strong, as results are based on details about dietary intake from more than 130,000 people over 40 years,” he adds.
The Severity of Proximal Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer rates have been rising, particularly among younger adults, nearly doubling since the 1990s. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies colorectal cancer as the third most common cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
Proximal (right-sided) colorectal cancer, in particular, leads to poorer outcomes compared to distal (left-sided) colorectal cancer. A large-scale analysis of cancer data from 13 U.S. states found that patients with proximal tumors were 13% less likely to survive for at least five years compared to those with distal tumors. This underscores the importance of identifying preventive measures, such as dietary changes, that could mitigate the risk of developing these aggressive tumors.
How a Healthy Gut May Combat Cancer
The research team, led by Dr. Ogino, followed more than 132,000 health professionals over four decades. Participants completed detailed dietary questionnaires every four years, which included information on yogurt consumption. Over the study period, researchers identified 3,079 cases of colorectal cancer.
While yogurt intake was not significantly linked to overall colorectal cancer risk, a notable pattern emerged when looking at specific bacterial markers. Among 1,121 colorectal cancer cases with available Bifidobacterium data, approximately one-third tested positive for the bacterium, while the remainder tested negative. Those who consumed two or more servings of yogurt per week were 20% less likely to develop Bifidobacterium-positive proximal colorectal cancer.
Dr. Ogino suggests that yogurt’s protective effect may be linked to its ability to promote a healthier gut microbiome. “Yogurt may promote microbiome diversity, which may help improve immune function,” he explains. A well-balanced gut microbiome has been shown to support immune system responses, potentially aiding in cancer prevention.
The Role of Diet in Cancer Prevention
This study adds to a growing body of research exploring the relationship between diet, gut health, and colorectal cancer risk. A meta-analysis of 16 previous studies concluded that increased yogurt consumption was linked to a lower risk of colorectal cancer. Additionally, another study analyzing data from the same participant group as Dr. Ogino’s research found that individuals who consumed at least one serving of yogurt per week had a reduced risk of developing proximal colon cancer compared to those who did not eat yogurt.
“Multiple large studies have shown that yogurt can decrease the risk of colon cancer,” says Arun Swaminath, MD, chief of the gastroenterology division at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City and a spokesperson for the American Gastroenterological Association. “This study goes a step further to show its relationship to a specific bacteria and tumor subtype.”
It is important to note that while the study found an association between yogurt consumption and a reduced cancer risk, it does not establish causation. Dr. Ogino points out that the study was observational and relied on preexisting data rather than clinical trials that rigorously controlled participants’ diets and lifestyle factors.
A Holistic Approach to Lowering Cancer Risk
While yogurt may offer protective benefits, experts emphasize that a holistic approach to diet and lifestyle is key in reducing colorectal cancer risk. Dr. Swaminath notes that individuals who frequently consume yogurt may also engage in other health-conscious behaviors. “People who eat lots of yogurt may have a healthier diet overall, and it’s not clear that it’s only the yogurt that has this effect,” he explains. “Maybe people who eat yogurt frequently also consume more fermented foods, which have been shown to support a broad-based microbiome.”
In addition to incorporating yogurt and other probiotic-rich foods into the diet, maintaining an active lifestyle, avoiding obesity, and consuming a diet rich in unprocessed, plant-based foods are all strategies that can help lower cancer risk.
Looking Ahead: More Research Needed
Despite the promising findings, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between yogurt, gut bacteria, and colorectal cancer risk. Future studies, particularly controlled clinical trials, could provide stronger evidence regarding yogurt’s potential role in cancer prevention. Until then, experts agree that including yogurt as part of a balanced diet can be a beneficial and healthful choice.
As researchers continue to explore the connections between diet and disease, the findings from this study reinforce the importance of gut health in overall well-being. While yogurt alone is not a cure-all, its role in promoting a diverse and healthy microbiome may contribute to long-term health benefits, including a reduced risk of aggressive colorectal cancers.