Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers around the world, yet many people still know very little about the everyday habits that may increase their risk.
This cancer affects the colon and rectum, which are parts of the large intestine. The large intestine plays an important role in digestion by absorbing water and helping the body remove waste. Colorectal cancer often begins slowly. Small growths called polyps can form inside the colon or rectum.
Over time, some of these polyps may develop into cancer. Because the disease usually grows gradually, early detection can greatly improve the chances of successful treatment. However, when cancer is discovered at a later stage, treatment becomes more difficult and the disease can be life-threatening.
Health experts have become increasingly concerned in recent years because colorectal cancer is no longer affecting only older adults. Cases among people younger than 50 have been rising in several countries. This trend has led researchers and doctors to pay closer attention to possible causes and ways to prevent the disease before it starts.
Just before National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, a new survey revealed a major gap in public knowledge about one important risk factor: processed meat.
The survey was carried out by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine in partnership with Morning Consult. It included 2,202 adults from across the United States and was conducted between February 9 and February 11, 2026.
The results showed that nearly half of those surveyed did not know that eating processed meat can raise the risk of colorectal cancer. This finding surprised many health experts because scientists have been studying the connection between processed meat and cancer for many years.
Processed meats include foods such as bacon, hot dogs, sausages, ham, salami, and many deli meats. These products are often preserved through smoking, curing, salting, or the use of chemical additives. These methods help improve flavor and extend shelf life, but they can also produce substances that may damage cells in the digestive tract over time.
Scientific evidence linking processed meat to cancer has become strong enough that the World Health Organization classified processed meat as a known cause of cancer several years ago. Researchers believe that certain chemicals formed during processing may contribute to changes in cells that can eventually lead to cancer development.
The survey also found that once people learned about this risk, many supported stronger consumer information. About two-thirds of participants said they would support warning labels on processed meat products. This suggests that many people want clearer information about the health effects of the foods they buy and eat.
Dr. Joseph Barrocas, an internal medicine physician from North Carolina, said it is concerning that so many people remain unaware of the connection between processed meat and colorectal cancer. This lack of awareness is especially troubling because colorectal cancer has become one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among younger adults.
Another important finding from the survey was that only about one-third of adults reported ever discussing the link between diet and colorectal cancer with a healthcare professional.
This means many people may not be receiving important information that could help them lower their risk. Experts believe doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers should spend more time discussing healthy eating habits and cancer prevention along with screening recommendations.
Diet is one of the most important lifestyle factors linked to colon health. Research has consistently shown that people who eat more plant-based foods often have a lower risk of colorectal cancer. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds provide nutrients that support overall health and help protect the body from disease.
Some studies have found that people whose diets are centered on plant foods may have about a 22 percent lower risk of colorectal cancer compared with people who regularly consume large amounts of meat. Plant foods contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other natural compounds that help protect cells from damage.
Fiber is another important part of a healthy diet. Fiber is found only in plant foods and helps food move through the digestive system. It also supports healthy bacteria living in the gut. Research suggests that people who consume more fiber have a lower risk of developing colon polyps, which can sometimes become cancerous.
Experts estimate that every additional 10 grams of fiber consumed daily may reduce colorectal cancer risk by around 10 percent.
Other healthy lifestyle choices may also help reduce risk. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol intake, and avoiding smoking are all linked to better colon health. Screening tests such as colonoscopies are especially valuable because they can detect and remove polyps before they become cancer.
The survey findings highlight an important public health issue. Although scientists have learned a great deal about the relationship between diet and cancer, many members of the public remain unaware of this information.
Better education, clearer food labels, and more conversations between healthcare professionals and patients could help people make healthier choices.
It is important to remember that surveys measure awareness and opinions rather than actual health outcomes. More research is still needed to determine how education campaigns might influence behavior and whether greater awareness can directly reduce cancer rates.
Even so, the message from the survey is clear. Many people still do not know that processed meat may increase colorectal cancer risk, but they appear willing to learn more.
By improving public understanding, encouraging diets rich in plant foods, increasing fiber intake, and promoting regular cancer screening, health experts hope to reduce the number of colorectal cancer cases in the future.
The survey findings were released in 2026 by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and Morning Consult. They serve as an important reminder that simple everyday choices can have a lasting effect on long-term health. Greater awareness today may help save lives in the years ahead.
If you care about cancer, please read studies that artificial sweeteners are linked to higher cancer risk, and how drinking milk affects risks of heart disease and cancer.
For more health information, please see recent studies about the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease, and results showing vitamin D supplements strongly reduces cancer death.
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