Colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, may be closely tied to our dietary choices.
Researchers from the University of South Florida and Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute have found that the Western diet—rich in ultra-processed foods, unhealthy oils, and added sugars—may drive the chronic inflammation that allows colorectal tumors to grow.
Their study, soon to be published in Gut, highlights how processed foods hinder the body’s ability to heal itself. Dr. Timothy Yeatman, a professor of surgery and cancer researcher at USF, explains that inflammation plays a central role.
“Cancer is like a chronic wound that won’t heal. If your body relies on daily ultra-processed foods, inflammation increases, immune function declines, and the cancer can thrive,” he said.
The Western diet, known for excessive consumption of processed and sugary foods, has long been associated with various health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.
This new research adds colorectal cancer to the list, underlining the importance of evaluating what we eat. According to Yeatman, the solution lies in moving away from these harmful foods and focusing on a diet rich in whole, unprocessed ingredients.
One key factor is bioactive lipids—tiny molecules derived from fats in our diet. Healthy fats, such as those in avocados, fish, and nuts, help the body resolve inflammation and promote healing.
However, the lipids derived from processed foods do the opposite, fueling inflammation and weakening the immune system.
Dr. Ganesh Halade, another researcher on the team, used advanced techniques to study tumor samples and found an imbalance of these lipids. Tumors contained an excess of inflammatory molecules and a shortage of healing compounds.
The team’s findings pave the way for “resolution medicine,” a natural approach that seeks to restore balance in the body’s immune response.
This method would use healthy foods, particularly those rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fish oil derivatives called specialized pro-resolving mediators, to reduce inflammation and support the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Balanced sleep and regular exercise would also play a role in this holistic approach.
“This could revolutionize cancer treatment,” said Yeatman. “By focusing on inflammation and addressing it at the root, we can move beyond drugs and harness the body’s natural ability to heal.”
Early trials using fish oil derivatives have shown promise, and further studies are underway to explore how this approach could be integrated into cancer care and prevention.
Examples of foods that support healing include salmon, spinach, brussels sprouts, seaweed, and grass-fed meats. In contrast, ultra-processed foods like chips, doughnuts, breakfast cereals, and carbonated drinks promote inflammation and suppress the immune system.
The research reflects a collaborative effort involving national and international partners, including Moffitt Cancer Center and Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
The hope is that resolution medicine will not only improve outcomes for patients with colorectal cancer but also help prevent the disease by encouraging healthier lifestyles.
This work serves as a reminder that our dietary choices have a profound impact on our health. Moving toward a natural, nutrient-rich diet may offer powerful benefits in the fight against colorectal cancer and other inflammation-driven diseases.
For more information about cancer, please see recent studies that plant-based diets may reduce risk of colorectal cancer in men, and Low-fat diet may help stop cancer growth.
For more information about cancer, please see recent studies about How to harness the power of anti-cancer foods and supplements and results showing that Empower your plate: cancer-fighting foods and recipes.
The research findings can be found in Gut.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
