New research has found that eating certain foods for breakfast every day can reduce the risk of developing aggressive forms of colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon), the Mirror reported.

Scientist Justin Stebbing, professor of biomedical sciences at Anglia Ruskin University, told The Conversation that a simple choice of breakfast can significantly reduce the risk of deadly bowel cancer.

The medical community is concerned about the sharp increase in colorectal cancer cases in people under 55, which has doubled worldwide in recent years. Diet, especially increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, is considered a major factor.

"As a consultant oncologist, many people ask me how they can reduce their risk," Professor Stebbing noted.

He emphasises that "growing evidence suggests that regular consumption of yoghurt may have a protective effect against certain aggressive forms of colorectal cancer by modifying the gut microbiota – the natural bacteria that live in the gut".

The gut microbiota plays a key role in overall health, affecting digestion, immune function, and even cancer risk.

"Gut bacteria can even be present in cancer itself, and a healthy balance of these bacteria is considered essential for maintaining a strong immune system and preventing inflammation that can contribute to the development of cancer," Stebbing said.

The professor believes that yogurt is beneficial because it contains live cultures of beneficial bacteria, including Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, which help maintain this balance.

"The study showed that consuming two or more servings of yogurt per week is associated with a lower risk of a specific type of aggressive colorectal cancer that develops in the right side of the colon and is associated with poorer survival outcomes compared to cancers in the left side," the expert added. | BGNES