A recent study found that men who consume yoghurt can significantly reduce their risk of colorectal cancer.
For the study, researchers analysed data collected on 32,606 male and 55,743 female health professionals. All the participants went through acolonoscopy between 1986 and 2012. The team also studied the information participants gave every four years about their health, fitness and eating habits.
During that time period, the team reported 5,811 cases of colorectal adenomas, which could become cancerous, in men and 8,116 cases of adenomas in women. The results also showed men who consumed yoghurt at least twice a week had a 10 per cent low risk of developing adenomas, a common type of polyps that can be found in the colon. Meanwhile, those who consumed yoghurt has a 26 per cent low risk of developing adenomas that have a high potential to become cancerous.
"Our data provide novel evidence for the role of yoghurt in the early stage of colorectal cancer development,” study co-author Dr Yin Cao of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, told a news portal. Adding, "The findings, if confirmed by future studies, suggest that yoghurt might serve as a widely acceptable modifiable factor, which could complement colorectal cancer screening and reduce risk of adenoma among the unscreened."
Multiple studies have also found that yoghurt could reduce the risk of colon and rectal cancer. Some researchers speculate this may be because yoghurt promotes good gut bacteria. The American Cancer Society urges the public to get screened for colorectal cancer when they turn 45.
Researchers also noted that yoghurt consumption has an impact on women when it comes to pre-cancerous polyps. “Much of the benefit from dairy products is thought to come from the calcium they provide, which we know can help prevent colon cancer,” Dr Graham Colditz, associate director for prevention and control at the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center in Saint Louis, told a news portal. Adding,"However, because this study took into account calcium intake, among other dietary factors, these results suggest that yoghurt may be lowering risk through an avenue other than calcium."
While further research is needed, researchers say the probiotics found in yoghurt can be extremely beneficial for our health. "Though it's not clear that probiotics help lower colon cancer risk, there are a number of possible ways they could. Adding, "Probiotics may help reduce inflammation - a cancer risk factor - as well as bind and neutralize certain carcinogens in the colon."
