Turns out your fridge might already be hiding a food that could help protect you against one of the UK’s most common cancers - and you’ve probably eaten it a hundred times for breakfast.
Bowel cancer is no small issue. The NHS says it’s one of the most common types of cancer in the UK, affecting the large bowel - that’s the colon and rectum, for anyone who zoned out in biology class.
It’s a disease that can be very serious depending on how far it spreads and how early it’s caught. And here’s the worrying bit: cases of colorectal cancer in people under 55 have doubled worldwide in recent years. Scientists say the rise of ultra-processed foods, like instant noodles, microwave-ready snacks and fizzy drinks, is likely playing a big part.
But according to Professor Justin Stebbing, an oncologist and Professor of Biomedical Sciences at Anglia Ruskin University, one breakfast staple could be doing far more than just making your morning granola taste better.
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In a piece for The Conversation, Stebbing explains that plain, natural yoghurt may actually lower your risk of bowel cancer by helping to keep your gut healthy.
He says it all comes down to your gut microbiome. That’s the army of trillions of bacteria living in your digestive system, which, it turns out, aren’t just freeloading. They’re involved in everything from breaking down food to training your immune system - and now, researchers believe, in lowering the risk of cancer.
"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," Stebbing says.
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In other words, yoghurt helps feed the 'good' bacteria in your gut, and when those good guys thrive, they can reduce inflammation, strengthen immunity, and potentially make it harder for cancer to take hold.
"The gut bacteria can live inside cancer itself," Stebbing explains, adding that maintaining balance is key to stopping disease from getting a foothold.
Of course, no one is saying yoghurt is a magic shield. You can’t spoon your way to immortality. But the evidence suggests that incorporating it into your diet could be a smart move, especially alongside other lifestyle choices like regular exercise, limiting alcohol, not smoking and keeping your diet varied. Think of it as one more tool in the kit - and one that happens to taste pretty great.
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It also makes sense why yoghurt stands out here: it’s rich in probiotics, those live cultures you see advertised on fancy labels. These probiotics act like reinforcements for your gut, topping up the good bacteria that might have been wiped out by stress, poor diet or even antibiotics.
With cancer rates in younger adults rising fast, it’s no wonder health experts are taking a closer look at how simple, everyday foods can make a difference. The humble yoghurt pot, then, becomes more than just a fridge filler - it’s part of a bigger conversation about how we eat, what we put into our bodies, and how even the smallest choices might protect us in the long run.
So tomorrow morning, when you’re debating between a pastry or a pot of yoghurt, remember: that spoonful might just be doing more for your health than you realise.
Topics: Health
Lara Owen