A new study has sparked concern among health experts, shedding light on a surprising link between everyday eating habits and a deadly disease.
While the findings are still being unpacked, they point to a common item found in most Australian kitchens—and it might be doing more harm than good.
The surprising link between white bread and colon cancer
The study, presented at the prestigious American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference in Chicago, tracked 1,625 patients with colon cancer that had spread to nearby lymph glands.
Researchers found that those who consumed the most ‘inflammatory’ foods—think white bread, processed meats like ham and bacon, sugary drinks, and refined carbohydrates—had a 36 per cent higher risk of dying from their cancer compared to those who ate the least.
But the risks didn’t stop there. The same group also had an 87 per cent higher risk of death from any cause.
In other words, a diet high in these foods doesn’t just impact cancer outcomes—it can affect your overall longevity.
What makes a diet ‘inflammatory’?
You might be wondering, what exactly is an ‘inflammatory diet’?
Scientists use a tool called the Empirical Dietary Inflammatory Pattern (EDIP) to assess how different foods affect inflammation in the body.
Foods that ramp up inflammation include:
- White, packaged bread and other refined grains
- Processed meats (bacon, ham, sausages)
- Sugary drinks (soft drinks, energy drinks)
- Offal (organ meats)
- Red meats
On the flip side, some foods actually help reduce inflammation.
These ‘anti-inflammatory’ foods include:
- Dark yellow vegetables (sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin)
- Coffee (yes, your morning cuppa could be doing you good!)
- Wine (in moderation)
- Surprisingly, pizza—thanks to cooked tomatoes, which are rich in the antioxidant lycopene
Why does inflammation matter?
Chronic inflammation is increasingly recognised as a key player in the development and progression of many diseases, including cancer.
Inflammation can damage cells, setting the stage for cancer to develop and spread. That’s why what you eat matters—not just for your waistline, but for your long-term health.
The role of ultra-processed foods
The study also highlighted the dangers of ultra-processed foods, which are everywhere in modern diets.
These foods—think packaged snacks, ready meals, and, yes, that soft white bread—are often high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and additives.
Another recent study found that colon cancer patients who ate the most ultra-processed foods had more than double the risk of their cancer spreading or recurring.
The Nova system, developed by Brazilian scientists, classifies foods based on how much they’ve been processed.
The less processed, the better: fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, eggs, and unprocessed meats are your best bet.
Younger people at risk, too
Colon cancer has long been considered a disease of older adults, but alarmingly, rates among people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s have soared by 80 per cent globally over the past three decades.
While the reasons are complex—ranging from rising obesity and pollution to microplastics in our water—diet is emerging as a major, and modifiable, risk factor.
What can you do?
The good news? You have more control than you might think.
The study found that patients who ate the least inflammatory foods and exercised regularly had a 63 per cent lower risk of death.
Dr Catherine Elliott, director of research at Cancer Research UK, sums it up: ‘Our overall diet is far more important than any single food or ingredient. A healthy, balanced diet includes lots of fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, and healthy sources of protein like beans and chicken. Cutting down on processed and red meats, and foods high in fat, sugar and salt also helps.’
The bottom line
While more research is needed before anti-inflammatory diets become standard advice for cancer patients, the evidence is mounting that what we eat plays a crucial role in both preventing and surviving colon cancer.
Whether you’re already mindful of what you eat or just starting to pay closer attention, this study may prompt a closer look at what’s regularly landing on your plate.
What are your thoughts on these findings? Have you made any changes to your diet in recent years, particularly in response to health concerns? Do you believe food choices should play a stronger role in preventative health? We invite you to share your experiences or perspectives in the comments below.
Also read: People with disability are dying from cancers we can actually prevent, our study shows
