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What if something as simple as a weekly grocery staple could play a role in lowering cancer risk?

Emerging research suggests yogurt may have a protective effect in colorectal cancer, one of the most common cancers worldwide. This is of particular interest because while this type of cancer has traditionally affected older adults, diagnoses are now rising among younger generations too.

This week, we’re exploring how angiogenesis, gut health, and your daily diet all intersect, plus the science behind yogurt’s potential protective power.

Why Is Colorectal Cancer on the Rise in Young Adults?

While colorectal cancer is more common in older adults, diagnoses are increasingly being seen in younger people.

In fact, the number of new cases in people under 55 has doubled globally, and in the U.S., diagnoses among younger adults have increased by nearly 20%. Researchers are still working to understand why, but several lifestyle and dietary factors may be contributing to this shift, including gut health, inflammation, and disruptions to the microbiome.

That’s why understanding what fuels cancer growth—and how to interrupt that process—has become more important than ever.

What Role Does Angiogenesis Play in Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or rectum and often develops slowly over time. A key process involved in its growth is angiogenesis—the formation of new blood vessels. While angiogenesis is important for healing, cancer can use this process to feed tumors and help them spread.

That’s why treatments that target angiogenesis, such as bevacizumab, are often used to manage colorectal cancer. These therapies work by blocking a tumor’s blood supply, helping slow its progression.

Researchers are also investigating biomarkers—measurable signals in the blood or tissue—that could help predict who will respond best to these treatments. A 2015 review published in Biomarkers in Cancer explored several promising candidates:

• Proteins like VEGF and angiopoietin-2 help regulate blood vessel growth. High levels of these proteins may signal more aggressive tumor growth—and potentially predict how well a patient might respond to anti-angiogenic therapy.

• Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and microRNAs offer a non-invasive window into tumor behavior. These molecules, found in the bloodstream, can reflect how tumors are progressing and how they're responding to treatment.

While not yet standard in care, these tools are part of a growing effort to personalize treatment and improve outcomes.

Can Yogurt Help Lower Risk?

Emerging research suggests that yogurt may offer protective benefits against colorectal cancer, particularly certain aggressive subtypes.

In a study led by Harvard researchers and involving over 132,000 individuals followed for years, eating two or more servings of yogurt per week was linked to a 20% lower risk of developing a specific kind of colorectal cancer that occurs on the right side of the colon. This type, known as Bifidobacterium-positive proximal colon cancer, tends to have poorer survival outcomes.

Why yogurt? Scientists believe the benefit lies in its effect on the gut microbiome. Yogurt contains live bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, which support the integrity of the gut lining, reduce inflammation, and may help limit cancer-promoting processes in the colon.

The study even found that the link yogurt and cancer risk varied depending on the levels of Bifidobacterium found in tumor tissue. Those who ate more yogurt had a lower risk of developing tumors classified as Bifidobacterium-positive—suggesting that yogurt’s effect on the microbiome might influence the development of certain colorectal cancer subtypes.

What Kind of Yogurt Is Best?

Yogurt can be a valuable part of a protective diet—especially when combined with other healthy habits.

Look for plain yogurt with live and active cultures. Skip added sugars and artificial flavors, which can undermine yogurt’s health benefits. Greek yogurt is a nutrient-dense option that provides more protein than regular varieties, which may help support fullness and overall gut health.

Want to make yogurt a more powerful part of your routine? 

Download our free guide for three simple, delicious ways to enjoy yogurt—complete with toppings and pairings that support gut health and help your body defend against disease.

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Best wishes,
- The Angiogenesis Foundation