Cancer rates have risen significantly over the past few decades, especially colorectal cancer, which has become one of the fastest-growing types. In his new post on Instagram, Dr Saurabh Sethi, a Harvard- and AIIMS-trained gastroenterologist, shared one recurring pattern responsible for it: ultra-processed foods.
Research, especially a large JAMA Oncology study, has linked higher intake of ultra-processed foods with increased colorectal cancer risk markers. For women, this is particularly harmful, as higher consumption of such processed foods, roughly one-third of their daily calorie intake, increases the risk of precancerous colon polyps by 45%. Polyps are often considered the earliest stage leading to colon cancer.
Dr Sethi cautioned that ultra-processed foods cause chronic low-grade inflammation, microbiome disruption, and metabolic dysfunction. All these factors are linked to colorectal cancer development. While you may struggle to eliminate them from your diet, the gut doctor said it’s more about lowering your consumption and exposure.
There are packaged foods we consume on a daily basis due to habit without realising they may be harmful. These include: packaged breads, sweetened yoghurts, cereals, flavoured creamers, and bottled sauces. They may look like small tweaks, but matter long-term.
A post shared by Saurabh Sethi MD MPH | Gastroenterologist (@doctor.sethi)View this post on Instagram
Fibre intake is essential for gut health. According to the gastroenterologist, you should ideally consume 25 to 38 grams of the nutrient daily. It feeds beneficial gut bacteria and supports colon health.
Sugary drinks cause more damage than you think. They are linked to metabolic stress, gut inflammation, and disrupt overall health. You should substitute them with water, coffee, and unsweetened tea.
When it comes to food labels, the shorter, the better. If the label is too complex for your understanding and contains too many ingredients, it is more likely ultra-processed. Dr Sethi said, “Food should look like food and not a chemistry experiment.”
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Being aware of some of the symptoms can help, as they may indicate a need for evaluation. These include: persistent change in bowel habits, blood in stool, unexplained weight loss, ongoing abdominal pain, and unusual fatigue.
Q. What is colon cancer?
Colon cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the colon, which is part of the large intestine. It usually develops from small growths called polyps that can become cancerous over time.
Q. What are the early symptoms of colon cancer?
Early signs may include persistent changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal discomfort, unexplained weight loss, fatigue and a feeling that the bowel does not empty completely.
Q. What causes colon cancer?
The exact cause is not always known, but it may develop due to genetic mutations, unhealthy diet, obesity, smoking, heavy alcohol use and a family history of the disease.
Q. Who is at higher risk of colon cancer?
People over the age of 50, those with a family history of colorectal cancer, individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases and people with sedentary lifestyles are at higher risk.
Q. How is colon cancer detected?
Doctors often use screening tests such as Colonoscopy, stool tests and imaging scans to detect abnormalities in the colon.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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