Yogurt Benefits

Benefits of Yogurt for People Fighting Cancer

Yogurt, particularly those containing live probiotic cultures, offers several potential benefits for people fighting cancer. Research suggests that regular yogurt consumption is associated with a reduced risk of certain cancers, especially colorectal cancer, and may also support overall health during cancer treatment.

Cancer Risk Reduction

• Multiple large-scale studies and meta-analyses have found that higher yogurt intake is linked to a lower risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). For example, a comprehensive analysis of over one million participants found that yogurt consumption was associated with a 12% reduction in colorectal cancer risk, with even greater reductions for esophageal (36%) and bladder (21%) cancers134.

• Recent research shows that people who eat yogurt at least twice a week have a 20% lower rate of developing Bifidobacterium-positive proximal colon cancer, a particularly aggressive subtype of colorectal cancer257. This protective effect is believed to be related to beneficial changes in the gut microbiome, particularly an increase in Bifidobacterium and other probiotic bacteria, which can produce anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating compounds257.

Mechanisms of Action

• Yogurt’s probiotics help enrich the gut with beneficial bacteria, which can:

  • Reduce the activity of enzymes that convert procarcinogens to carcinogens in the colon.

  • Strengthen the intestinal barrier and reduce inflammation.

  • Stimulate immune function and produce short-chain fatty acids with anti-tumor properties127.

• Yogurt is also a good source of calcium, vitamin D, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), all of which have been linked to anti-cancer effects and improved bone health, which is particularly important for cancer patients89.

Supporting Cancer Treatment

• During cancer treatment, maintaining weight and muscle mass can be challenging. Greek yogurt, with its higher protein content, is especially beneficial for supporting muscle maintenance and healing89.

• Yogurt can be easily incorporated into nutrient-dense smoothies or parfaits, which are recommended by cancer centers to help meet increased protein and calorie needs, especially for patients experiencing fatigue or reduced appetite48.

Best Types of Yogurt for Cancer Patients

• Plain, Unsweetened Yogurt: Choose varieties without added sugars, artificial flavors, or preservatives to avoid unnecessary additives that may counteract yogurt’s health benefits39.

• Greek Yogurt: Offers higher protein and lower sugar content, making it ideal for supporting muscle maintenance during treatment. It also contains higher levels of CLA and vitamin B1289.

• Organic Yogurt: May have a more favorable nutrient profile and fewer harmful additives4.

• Live/Active Cultures: Always select yogurts labeled as containing “live and active cultures” to maximize probiotic benefits257.

• Low-Fat Options: Low-fat yogurt is often recommended, as it retains beneficial nutrients while reducing saturated fat intake9.

Additions to Enhance Benefits

• Add berries, nuts, seeds, or whole grains to yogurt for extra antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats, further supporting cancer prevention and overall health4.

While yogurt alone is not a cure or guaranteed preventive measure, incorporating plain, probiotic-rich yogurt-especially Greek or organic varieties-into a balanced, nutrient-rich diet can provide meaningful support for people fighting cancer. It may help reduce the risk of certain cancers, support gut and immune health, and aid in maintaining strength and nutrition during treatment12345789.

Check sources

Citations:

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8761765/

2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/could-yogurt-help-protect-against-colorectal-cancer

3. https://vitaclaychef.com/blogs/be-inspired/yogurt-the-cancer-fighting-probiotic

4. https://www.fightbackfoods.com/post/organic-yogurt-s-fight-against-cancer

5. https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/long-term-yogurt-intake-lower-colorectal-cancer-rates

6. https://www.cancer.org/research/acs-research-highlights/nutrition-and-physical-activity-research-highlights/yogurt-and-cheese-may-lower-risk-of-estrogent-negative-breast-cancer.html

7. https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/regular-yogurt-consumption-may-reduce-colon-cancer-risk/

8. https://www.cookforyourlife.org/blog/greek-yogurt/

9. https://foodforbreastcancer.com/foods/yogurt

10. https://www.cancer.org/research/acs-research-highlights/nutrition-and-physical-activity-research-highlights/yogurt-and-cheese-may-lower-risk-of-estrogent-negative-breast-cancer.html

11. https://www.summahealth.org/flourish/entries/2023/10/fuel-your-way-to-recovery-foods-to-add-and-avoid-during-cancer-treatment

12. https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/02/14/nx-s1-5295042/yogurt-colon-cancer-diet-health

13. https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/blog/15-foods-to-keep-stocked-when-facing-cancer/

14. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19490976.2025.2452237

15. https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/5-things-to-know-about-dairy-and-cancer-risk.h00-159623379.html

16. https://www.moffitt.org/endeavor/archive/10-cancer-fighting-foods-you-should-be-eating/

17. https://gastriccancer.org/video/gesundheit-superfoods-yogurt/

18. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/cancer/cancer-diet-foods-to-add-and-avoid-during-cancer-treatment

19. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323364

20. https://coloncancerfoundation.org/top-colon-cancer-fighting-foods/

21. https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/6-easy-protein-sources-for-cancer-patients.h00-159699912.html

22. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10048043/

23. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250213/Could-yogurt-help-prevent-certain-colorectal-cancers-New-study-explores-the-link.aspx

24. https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/FOH-probiotics.h14-1589835.html

25. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/could-yogurt-help-protect-against-colorectal-cancer

26. https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/long-term-yogurt-intake-lower-colorectal-cancer-rates

27. https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/regular-yogurt-consumption-may-reduce-colon-cancer-risk/