Recent studies have shown that consuming yogurt or other fermented dairy products is associated with a reduced risk of large bowel cancer. However, yogurt cannot be used as the only prevention; it is only part of an overall healthy lifestyle.

Several studies from the past five years have reported that people who regularly consume yogurt have a lower risk of developing large bowel cancer compared with those who rarely or never consume it. Regular yogurt intake may lower the risk by approximately 10–15%. Other research suggests that certain components in dairy, such as calcium, are linked to a decreased risk of large bowel cancer.

Why might this happen? There are several possible mechanisms:
– Yogurt provides beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, which can help balance the gut microbiota. These bacteria may reduce harmful microbes and increase the production of short-chain fatty acids that support healthy bowel cells.
– Fermented dairy products may help reduce local inflammation in the bowel wall. Chronic inflammation is known to contribute to cancer development.
– Calcium and other dairy components may alter the intestinal environment that can reduce the impact of carcinogenic compounds.

What does this mean to you?
– Add plain, low-sugar yogurt as part of your daily diet. High sugar yogurt are less ideal if you aim for digestive health.
– Yogurt cannot substitute an overall healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, reduced intake of processed meats, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and large bowel cancer screening are all essential.
– If you have specific conditions such as severe lactose intolerance, consult your doctor before consuming it regularly.

Conclusion
Regular yogurt consumption can contribute to reducing the risk of large bowel cancer. Each spoonful may be a small step toward a healthier gut, but it is not the only step. A combination of a balanced diet, healthy lifestyle, and regular screening remains the cornerstone of large bowel cancer prevention.

Author:
Darmadi, MD, PhD
(Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara)

Image Source: Getty Image

References

• Ugai S, Liu L, Kosumi K, Kawamura H, Hamada T, Mima K, et al. Long-term yogurt intake and colorectal cancer incidence subclassified by Bifidobacterium abundance in tumor. Gut Microbes. 2025;17(1):2452237

• Liang Z, Song X, Hu J, Wu R, Li P, Dong Z, et al. Fermented Dairy Food Intake and Risk of Colorectal Cancer: A Meta-analysis. Frontiers in Oncology. 2022:12:812679.

• Sun J, Song J, Yang J, Chen L, Wang Z, Duan M, et al. Higher Yogurt Consumption is Associated with Lower Risk of Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in Nutrition. 2022; 8:789006.

• Pandey H, Tang DW, Wong SH, Lal D. Gut Microbiota in Colorectal Cancer: Biological Role and Therapeutic Potential. Cancers (Basel). 2023;15(3):866.

• Zouiouich S, Wahl D, Liao LM, Hong HG, Sinha R, Loftfield E, et al. Calcium Intake and Risk of Colorectal Cancer in the NIH-AARP and other cohorts. JAMA Network Open. 2025; 8(2):e2460283.