A leading medical expert has highlighted that consuming just one drink daily could significantly lower the risk of bowel cancer, a disease responsible for around 17,000 deaths annually in the UK. Known also as colon cancer, this condition is the fourth most diagnosed cancer in the country and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
According to Cancer Research UK, roughly 44,100 new cases of bowel cancer are recorded each year. Alarmingly, incidence rates are rising faster among younger populations, with nearly 20% of recent cases occurring in individuals under 55—a figure nearly double that of 1995.
Various factors influence the risk of developing bowel cancer, including diet. Consuming red and processed meats has been linked to an increased likelihood of the disease. However, recent research suggests nutrition can also play a protective role.
READ MORE: Winning Lotto Numbers Tonight: Full National Lottery Results with Thunderball on Wednesday, November 12, 2025
READ MORE: Shire Hall Backs Single Unitary Council Amid Local Democracy Concerns
In a popular TikTok video, Dr. Karan Rajan—known as Dr. Raj—explained the benefits of including calcium-rich foods and drinks in daily diets. “You can reduce your risk of colon cancer by 17% by ensuring adequate intake of this single nutrient, and it’s not fibre,” Dr. Raj stated, referring to calcium.
He cited a large-scale study involving over half a million women tracked for 16 years, which found that 300 milligrams of dietary calcium daily correlated with a 17% reduction in colon cancer risk. These findings remained consistent even when accounting for factors such as age, weight, smoking habits, exercise, and genetics.
Importantly, calcium from both dairy and plant-based sources provided similar protection. Dr. Raj recommended practical ways to achieve the recommended intake: “300 milligrams equals about 30% of your daily value. This can be obtained from one cup of milk, six ounces of plain yoghurt, or a cup of cooked collard greens. Even just two tablespoons of chia seeds deliver nearly 200 milligrams of calcium.”
Beyond calcium’s well-known role in bone health, Dr. Raj explained its protective mechanism for the colon. “Calcium binds to bile acids, creating a harmless soap that prevents damage to the gut lining and reduces colon permeability—meaning it helps seal the gaps between colon cells and maintain a healthy barrier.”
While calcium supplements showed a modest 9% risk reduction in colon cancer, Dr. Raj emphasized the value of consuming whole foods rich in calcium alongside fiber-rich plants for a compounded protective effect.
This advice aligns with findings published earlier this year in Nature Communications by University of Oxford researchers. Their study analyzed data from over 542,000 women and concluded that regular consumption of calcium-rich foods, including dairy milk and yoghurt, along with nutrients like riboflavin, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium, is linked to a lower risk of colorectal cancer.
Dr. Keren Papier, the lead researcher, explained, “Calcium may protect against bowel cancer by binding to bile acids and free fatty acids, neutralizing their harmful effects on the gut lining.”
Despite these promising results, experts caution that it is premature to advise everyone to increase calcium intake solely for cancer prevention. The NHS recommends that anyone experiencing symptoms of bowel cancer for three weeks or longer—such as changes in bowel habits, persistent abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss—should see their GP promptly.
Incorporating calcium-rich foods into a balanced diet may represent a simple, effective strategy to help reduce the risk of a deadly cancer affecting thousands each year.