A scientist has revealed that the risk of deadly bowel cancer can be significantly slashed by incorporating one particular item into your daily breakfast. Justin Stebbing, Professor of Biomedical Sciences at Anglia Ruskin University, shared his insights.

Writing on The Conversation website, Prof Stebbing explained that recent research indicates this dietary addition could offer a protective shield against the onset of cancers.

Medics have voiced their worries over thesharp rise in colorectal cancer cases among those under 55 - a figure that has doubled worldwide in recent years. It's believed that diet plays a significant role in this surge, particularly the increased consumption of ultra-processed foods.

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Prof Stebbing said: "As a consultant oncologist, many peoplehave asked me how their risk can be reduced. The emerging evidence suggests that regular yoghurt consumption may have a protective effect against certain aggressive forms of colorectal cancer by modifying the gut microbiome, the natural bacteria that live in the gut.

"The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in overall health, influencing digestion, immune function and even cancer risk. The gut bacteria can live inside cancer itself, and in general a healthy balance of these bacteria is thought to be essential for maintaining a strong immune system and preventing inflammation, which can contribute to cancer development."

The reason Prof Stebbing believes yoghurt can be beneficial is due to its live cultures of helpful bacteria, including lactobacillus bulgaricus and streptococcus thermophilus, which can assist in maintaining this equilibrium.

He explained: "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."

The research examined data from more than 150,000 participants tracked over multiple decades, suggesting that sustained yoghurt consumption may modify the gut microbiome in ways that offer protection against particular cancers.

Scientists questioned the participants every two years regarding their yoghurt consumption, and assessed the levels of Bifidobacterium (a bacterial strain present in yoghurt) in the tumour tissue of 3,079 individuals within the sample who received a colorectal cancer diagnosis.

Whilst yoghurt didn't directly reduce the risk across all forms of colorectal cancer, those consuming two or more portions of yoghurt weekly demonstrated a reduced risk of developing "Bifidobacterium-positive proximal colon cancer", a variant of colorectal cancer that develops in the right portion of the colon and carries one of the poorest survival rates. Nutritional scientist Prof Tim Spector, founder of the Zoe app, revealed he consumes yoghurt "most days of the week" as it's perfect for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome – something which can support digestion and bolster your immune system.

Tim explained: "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 continued: "By choosing fat-containing yoghurts, I feel fuller for longer, and I also prefer the taste."

Yoghurt contains calcium, making it beneficial for bones and helping ward off osteoporosis. Regular yoghurt consumption has also been linked with lower blood pressure and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Some research suggests that yoghurt intake may help prevent type 2 diabetes and other illnesses too.

Britain sees nearly 45,000 cases of bowel cancer annually, making it the country's fourth most common cancer, and third globally – yet many of these are preventable. According to Cancer Research UK figures, 54% of all bowel cancers could be avoided through adopting a healthier lifestyle.

Smoking, insufficient exercise, alcohol consumption, eating processed meat, and inadequate diet are all major factors in the development of bowel cancer.