Oncologist who cut open people for 17 years saw same foods in 80% of colon cancer patients

Warning: This article contains discussion of cancer which some readers may find distressing.

Colon cancer cases are massively on the rise across the world, particularly in young and otherwise healthy people.

The exact reason for this unsettling surge is yet to be identified but scientists seem almost certain that our diets are playing a significant role, with ultra-processed foods in particular seemingly to blame.

Bowel cancer is now the fourth most common form of cancer here in the UK and yet symptoms can often go under the radar, with many cases dismissed by doctors due to similarities with other stomach-related issues such as IBS.

Although doctors have long urged us to stay away from things like alcohol and red meat because of the increased risk of cancer, an oncologist with 17 years experience has now identified one food which he thinks is one of the biggest contributors to colon cancer.

On Instagram, he shared the testimonies of several different patients, all of whom identified sausages as a common factor in their diets.

The oncologist wrote: "Oncologist surgeon, 17 years in the job, hundreds of colon surgeries. After each one he asks the family what the person ate every day. After 17 years he sees a pattern: in 80 per cent it’s the same food."

And that food is seemingly sausages, which is certainly backed up by the World Health Organisation, who suggest that processed meats are considered a Group 1 carcinogen.

You can read the testimonies of the colon cancer patients below:

The likes of James Van de Beek, Married at First Sight host Mel Schilling and Chadwick Boseman have all passed away from colon cancer in recent years, which shows how dangerous it can be even when affecting those under the age of 50.

NHS doctor Chris van Tulleken said: "There is a decade of evidence now that is extremely clear that it is ultra-processed food that is responsible, not just for pandemic weight gain and obesity, but also for a long list of other health problems, including early death."

Therefore, it seems clear that the vast majority of health professionals are in agreement that poor diet and ultra-processed foods can be responsible for illnesses such as colon cancer, with the prevalence of those foods in young people's diets perhaps one explanation as to why the cancer is becoming so common in patients under the age of 40.

What are the symptoms of colon cancer?

According to the NHS, symptoms may include:

· Changes in your pooing habits

· Bleeding from your bottom

· 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

A GP appointment is recommended is you experience the above symptoms.

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.