Feb 24, 2026 06:59 PM
New poll: Almost half of US adults unaware of connection between processed meat consumption and colorectal cancer
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1117630
EXCERPT: “In light of colorectal cancer now being the leading cause of cancer deaths in adults under 50, it’s concerning that so many people still don’t know about the strong connection between eating processed meat and the risk of developing colorectal cancer,” said Joseph Barrocas, MD, an internal medicine specialist from Huntersville, N.C.
But on a positive note, Dr. Barrocas said, the survey shows that many people want that information.
The poll also revealed that just one-third of adults say they’ve received information from a health care professional about the link between processed meat consumption and colon cancer.
“More health care practitioners have to be educated about the link between diet and colorectal cancer,” Dr. Barrocas said, “and in addition to recommending screening, discuss with patients the protective benefits of a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans.”
Research has shown:
*Those following a plant-based diet had a 22% lower risk for all types of colorectal cancers compared with those who consumed an omnivorous diet. Plant-based diets may be especially protective, because fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are packed with cancer-fighting phytochemicals... (MORE - missing details, no ads)
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1117630
EXCERPT: “In light of colorectal cancer now being the leading cause of cancer deaths in adults under 50, it’s concerning that so many people still don’t know about the strong connection between eating processed meat and the risk of developing colorectal cancer,” said Joseph Barrocas, MD, an internal medicine specialist from Huntersville, N.C.
But on a positive note, Dr. Barrocas said, the survey shows that many people want that information.
The poll also revealed that just one-third of adults say they’ve received information from a health care professional about the link between processed meat consumption and colon cancer.
“More health care practitioners have to be educated about the link between diet and colorectal cancer,” Dr. Barrocas said, “and in addition to recommending screening, discuss with patients the protective benefits of a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans.”
Research has shown:
*Those following a plant-based diet had a 22% lower risk for all types of colorectal cancers compared with those who consumed an omnivorous diet. Plant-based diets may be especially protective, because fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are packed with cancer-fighting phytochemicals... (MORE - missing details, no ads)