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Flinders University research underscores the importance of healthy eating in reducing gastrointestinal cancer risks.
A new study from Flinders University, Australia, has reinforced the critical connection between diet and the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, which include bowel, colon, stomach, and pancreatic cancers. Researchers have highlighted how poor dietary choices are contributing to an alarming rise in these cancers, especially among individuals under 50.
The study, reported by Xinhua news agency, emphasizes that diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, legumes, and dairy can offer significant protection against GI cancers. Conversely, consumption of red and processed meats, fast foods, refined grains, sugary beverages, and alcohol has been linked to an increased risk.
“We found that a diet high in healthy fats and vegetables, while limiting sugars and alcohol, could potentially reduce the risk of bowel and other cancers,” said Yohannes Melaku, senior author of the research from the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI).
The findings come at a critical time, with the World Health Organization (WHO) noting that GI cancers account for 26% of the global cancer burden and 35% of cancer-related deaths.
Fibre as a Protective Factor
One of the key takeaways from the study is the role of fibre in promoting gut health. High-fibre foods support beneficial gut bacteria that help reduce inflammation—a known contributor to cancer risk. The researchers found that even among individuals who develop GI cancers, those with healthier diets experience better outcomes than those with unhealthy eating habits.
A Call for Change
Amid the rising rates of bowel cancer among younger adults, the researchers are urging a shift toward healthier eating habits. Increasing fibre intake, reducing alcohol and sugar consumption, and incorporating more plant-based foods can be proactive steps to mitigate cancer risks.
“Unhealthy dietary patterns present a worrying relationship with an increased risk of GI cancers,” Melaku noted. “Our findings highlight the power of dietary choices in safeguarding long-term health.”
The research underscores that adopting a balanced diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods can be a simple yet powerful tool in cancer prevention, offering a hopeful perspective in the fight against these deadly diseases.
