Meredy Birdi (left) lentil soup (right)
Eating fiber is associated with a lower colon cancer risk.
  • Colon cancer rates among people under 50 are rising.
  • Evidence suggests eating fiber-filled whole grains and avoiding red meat can help reduce the risk.
  • Cancer dietitian Meredy Birdi shared three lunch recipes to help prevent colon cancer.

Colon cancer rates in younger people are rising, but research suggests a healthy diet can lower the risk of developing the disease.

Cancer is typically associated with older people, but the percentage of colorectal cancer cases in those under 55 doubled between 1995 and 2019, from 11% to 20%, according to the American Cancer Society. It's now the deadliest cancer among men under 50 in the US and the second deadliest for women the same age.