10 March 2024 , 13:05
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A cancer dietitian has revealed which breakfasts to eat to help prevent colon cancer as cases are soaring - the disease is set to be the biggest killer in people under 50 in the next six years.
Cases of colorectal cancer - which includes both colon and rectal cancers - have surged among young people in recent years. With a lot of stigma around this form of cancer, the sometimes fatal disease is going undetected. The Mirror spoke to several doctors last summer regarding the condition and one described the rate the cancer is rising as "alarming".
The NHS said that it is not always known what causes bowel cancer, but it can be caused by genetic changes, lifestyle, and environmental factors. "Having certain health conditions can also make you more likely to get bowel cancer," a spokesperson said.
Now, a cancer dietitian has revealed which high-fibre breakfasts can start your day off right and add 'good' bacteria into the gut and shield the colon lining.
London-based expert Meredy Birdi told Business Insider: "What we know now is we do need to take more control of our health in terms of cancer risk." The NHS states that bowel cancer is a general term for cancer that begins in the large bowel. Depending on where the cancer starts, bowel cancer is sometimes called colon or rectal cancer. Cancer can sometimes start in the small bowel (small intestine), but small bowel cancer is much rarer than large bowel cancer.
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Speaking about what is best to eat to get more fibre into your diet, Birdi said that a bowl of porridge, or oatmeal with nuts, berries, and mixed seeds is a great option. A sprinkle of cinnamon can be added for extra flavour. As the berries contain antioxidants and there is plenty of fibre in oats, nuts, and seeds, this breakfast has been found to reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
You may have seen people across social media starting their day with a yoghurt and fruit bowl. While it may look beautiful, it is also very good for your health, as it is high in protein, calcium and probiotics. Greek yoghurt is suggested as the best to use. The best part is, that this breakfast is easy and quick to make.
Next up, Birdi says that a vegetarian breakfast with grilled vegetables with halloumi, eggs, and avocado is great for boosting your fibre intake. This is also a great option for those who want a more filling breakfast in the morning,
The dietitian added that diets that include a lot of high in processed meats, red meats, and ultra-processed foods have been linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer. Birdi suggests eating a plant-based diet 75% of the time.
Symptoms of colon cancer
Symptoms of colon cancer to look out for include:
- Changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you
- Needing to poo more or less often than usual for you
- Blood in your poo, which may look red or black
- Bleeding from your bottom
- Often feeling like you need to poo, even if you've just been to the toilet
- Tummy pain
- A lump in your tummy
- Bloating
- Losing weight without trying
- Feeling very tired for no reason
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, speak to your doctor and visit the NHS website.
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