Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, but fortunately, it can be prevented by changing your diet and lifestyle habits. Research suggests that up to 80% of colon cancers can be prevented by making changes in your diet and lifestyle.

In this article, we will discuss the 30 foods that can increase your risk of colon cancer by 80%.

1. Red Meat

Red meat, especially beef and pork, is high in saturated fats that can increase your risk of colon cancer.

Studies have shown that people who eat red meat regularly are more likely to develop colon cancer than those who eat it in moderation or avoid it altogether. To reduce your risk, limit your consumption of red meat to no more than 2-3 servings per week.

2. Processed Meat

Processed meat, including hot dogs, sausages, and deli meats, has been linked to an increased risk of colon cancer. These meats are high in preservatives and additives that can damage the lining of the colon and increase your risk of cancer.

To lower your risk, avoid processed meats or limit your intake to once a week or less.

3. Fried Foods

Fried foods, such as french fries, fried chicken, and battered fish, are high in trans fats and saturated fats that can increase your risk of colon cancer. These foods are also high in calories, which can lead to obesity, a risk factor for colon cancer.

To reduce your risk, avoid fried foods and choose healthier cooking methods such as grilling, baking, or roasting.

4. Sugary Drinks

Sugary drinks such as soda, energy drinks, and sweetened fruit juices are high in sugar and calories that can contribute to weight gain and increase your risk of colon cancer.

To reduce your risk, try to limit your intake of sugary drinks and choose water or unsweetened beverages instead.

5. Alcohol

Regular consumption of alcohol has been linked to an increased risk of colon cancer. Alcohol can damage the cells lining the colon and increase inflammation, which can lead to cancer.

To reduce your risk, limit your alcohol consumption to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

6. White Bread and Pasta

White bread and pasta are high in refined carbohydrates that can cause inflammation and increase your risk of colon cancer. These foods are also low in fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion and reduce your risk.

To reduce your risk, choose whole-grain bread and pasta, which are higher in fiber and nutrients.

7. Milk

Some studies suggest that high consumption of milk and other dairy products may increase your risk of colon cancer.

Milk is high in calcium, which can protect the colon, but it also contains lactose and other substances that may promote the growth of cancer cells. To reduce your risk, limit your intake of milk and dairy products or choose alternatives such as soy milk or almond milk.

8. Charred Meat

Charred meat, particularly when grilled or barbecued at high temperatures, can produce chemicals called heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that can damage DNA and increase your risk of colon cancer.

To reduce your risk, cook meat at lower temperatures and avoid charring or burning it.

9. Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame and saccharin, are commonly found in diet sodas and other low-calorie products.

While these sweeteners may seem like a healthy alternative to sugar, some studies suggest that they may increase your risk of colon cancer by disrupting the gut microbiome. To reduce your risk, avoid or limit your intake of artificial sweeteners.

10. Canned Foods

Canned foods, particularly those that are high in salt or preservatives, may increase your risk of colon cancer. The lining of some cans also contains bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical that can interfere with hormones and increase inflammation in the colon.

To reduce your risk, choose fresh or frozen foods whenever possible.

11. Pickled and Fermented Foods

Some studies suggest that pickled and fermented foods, such as pickles, sauerkraut, and kimchi, may increase your risk of colon cancer. These foods are high in salt and may promote the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut.

To reduce your risk, limit your intake of these foods or choose low-salt options.

12. Refined Oils

Refined oils, such as canola, soybean, and corn oil, are commonly used in processed foods and may increase your risk of colon cancer. These oils are high in omega-6 fats, which can cause inflammation in the body.

To reduce your risk, choose healthy fats like olive oil and coconut oil, which are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

13. High-Fat Dairy

High-fat dairy products, such as cheese and butter, may increase your risk of colon cancer. These products are high in saturated fats that can promote inflammation and increase your risk.

To reduce your risk, choose low-fat dairy products or limit your intake of high-fat dairy.

14. Trans Fats

Trans fats, which are found in many processed foods like snack foods and baked goods, can increase your risk of colon cancer. These fats are created by hydrogenation, a process that turns liquid vegetable oils into solid fats.

To reduce your risk, avoid products that contain partially hydrogenated oils.

15. Low-Fiber Foods

Low-fiber foods, such as white rice and crackers, may increase your risk of colon cancer. Fiber helps promote healthy digestion and can reduce your risk of colon cancer by keeping waste moving through the intestine.

To reduce your risk, choose high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

16. Snack Foods

Snack foods, like chips and crackers, are often high in salt, trans fats, and calories that can increase your risk of colon cancer. These foods are also low in fiber and other nutrients.

To reduce your risk, choose healthier snacks like fresh fruit, nuts, or raw vegetables.

17. Soy Products

Soy products, such as tofu and soy patties, may increase your risk of colon cancer by disrupting hormones in the body.

However, research on the link between soy and colon cancer is conflicting, and some studies suggest that soy may have protective effects. To reduce your risk, limit your intake of soy products or choose organic, non-GMO soy varieties.

18. Vegetable Oils

Vegetable oils, such as sunflower, safflower, and cottonseed oil, are high in omega-6 fatty acids that can promote inflammation and increase your risk of colon cancer.

To reduce your risk, choose healthy oils like olive oil or avocado oil, which are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

19. Commercially Baked Goods

Commercially baked goods, such as cookies and cakes, may increase your risk of colon cancer due to their high sugar and fat content. These products may also contain trans fats and other additives that can increase inflammation and damage DNA.

To reduce your risk, bake your own treats using healthier ingredients like whole grains and natural sweeteners.

20. High-Salt Foods

High-salt foods, such as chips, pretzels, and canned soups, may increase your risk of colon cancer by promoting inflammation and disrupting gut health. To reduce your risk, choose low-salt options or prepare your own meals using fresh ingredients.

21. Cured Meats

Cured meats, such as bacon and ham, may increase your risk of colon cancer due to their high salt and preservative content. These meats have also been linked to other types of cancer, such as stomach cancer.

To reduce your risk, choose fresh meats or limit your intake of cured meats.

22. High-Calorie Foods

High-calorie foods, such as candy and pastries, are often low in nutrients and high in sugar, salt, and fat that can increase your risk of colon cancer.

To reduce your risk, choose healthier options like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

23. Processed Cheese

Processed cheese, such as American cheese and cheese spreads, may increase your risk of colon cancer due to their high fat content and additives. To reduce your risk, choose natural cheeses and use them in moderation.

24. High-Sugar Foods

High-sugar foods, such as candy and sugary cereals, can increase your risk of colon cancer by promoting inflammation and contributing to weight gain.

To reduce your risk, choose low-sugar options or use natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia.

25. Low-Carb Diets

Low-carb diets, such as the keto diet, may increase your risk of colon cancer due to their high fat and protein content. These diets may also be low in fiber and other nutrients that can promote healthy digestion and reduce your risk.

To reduce your risk, choose balanced, whole-food based diets that are high in fiber and nutrients.

26. Fast Food

Fast food, such as burgers and fries, is often high in calories, salt, and fat that can increase your risk of colon cancer. These foods are also low in fiber and nutrients.

To reduce your risk, choose healthier fast food options like salads or grilled chicken sandwiches, or prepare your own meals at home.

27. High-Heat Cooking

High-heat cooking methods, such as grilling or frying, can produce harmful chemicals like acrylamide that can increase your risk of colon cancer.

To reduce your risk, choose low-heat cooking methods like steaming or poaching and avoid overcooking your food.

28. Low-Fat Diets

Low-fat diets may increase your risk of colon cancer by depriving your body of essential fats and nutrients. These diets may also contain high amounts of processed foods and other unhealthy ingredients.

To reduce your risk, choose balanced, whole-food based diets that emphasize healthy fats and other nutrients.

29. Salt-Preserved Foods

Salt-preserved foods, such as dried fish and jerky, contain high levels of salt that can increase your risk of colon cancer. These foods may also contain other preservatives and additives that can damage DNA and promote cancer growth.

To reduce your risk, choose fresh foods or low-salt alternatives.

30. Low-Fiber Juices

Low-fiber juices, such as apple and grape juice, may increase your risk of colon cancer by contributing to weight gain and disrupting gut health. These juices are often high in sugar and low in nutrients.

To reduce your risk, choose whole fruits or vegetable juices that are high in fiber and nutrients.