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AIIMS-trained gastroenterologist shares 10 foods that can quietly protect you from colon cancer: Oats, nuts, and seeds

Dr Saurabh Sethi emphasises the importance of diet in reducing colon cancer risk. He shared 10 foods to add to the daily diet, crucial for prevention.

Published on: Oct 26, 2025 09:30 am IST
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An uncontrolled growth of cells in the colon or rectum leads to colon cancer. Also known as colorectal cancer, it typically affects older adults, though it can happen at any age. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in 2020, more than 1.9 million new cases and more than 930,000 deaths were estimated to have occurred globally.

According to Dr Sethi, eating a healthy diet can reduce your risk of colon cancer. (Freepik)

Also Read | California cardiologist with 20 years experience says ‘you don't need to cut out every bad food to protect your heart’

Therefore, colon cancer requires as much of our attention as any other type of cancer. WHO says that the colon cancer risk can be reduced with regular screenings, staying physically active, not smoking tobacco, and limiting alcohol. However, your diet also plays a major role.

10 foods that can quietly protect you from colon cancer

Dr Saurabh Sethi, MD, MPH, a gastroenterologist trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford Universities, stressed that eating a healthy diet can reduce your risk of colon cancer. In an Instagram post shared on October 25, titled ‘10 Foods That Can Quietly Protect You From Colon Cancer’, the expert listed foods you should include in your daily diet to protect your colon.

A healthy diet can reduce your risk of colon cancer. (Generated via ChatGPT)

While improving your diet to reduce the risk of colon cancer is one of the most essential steps, it is also important to know the signs because most colon cancers start silently.

In an October 10 Instagram post, Dr Sethi highlighted 8 warning signs one should look out for to detect colon cancer early, such as persistent bowel changes, constant fatigue, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain or cramping, and more. According to the gastroenterologist, when caught early, there is a 90 percent chance of survival five years after the diagnosis. Learn more signs here.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Krishna Pallavi Priya

Krishna Priya Pallavi is a journalist with over 9 years of experience, covering health, fashion, pop culture, travel, wellness, entertainment, festivals, mental health, art, decor, fitness, and sex and relationships. She is an alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal, and holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi. Her strong academic foundation informs her analytical and detail-oriented approach to storytelling, helping her uncover stories where none seem to exist. Before joining Hindustan Times, Pallavi worked with some of India’s leading media organisations. She spent close to three years at India Today, where she honed her newsroom skills and developed a sharp editorial sensibility. She also worked for over a year and a half at Vagabomb, ScoopWhoop’s feminist digital platform, where she explored stories through a gender-sensitive, socially aware lens. Pallavi has a deep interest in global fashion trends and international fashion seasons, and enjoys interviewing celebrities and tracking pop culture movements—interests that frequently translate into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Alongside lifestyle and entertainment, she has a keen eye for impactful health and wellness journalism, regularly interacting with doctors, designers, and digital content creators to bring nuance and credibility to her work. Born and raised in Haryana, Pallavi remains deeply connected to her ancestral roots in Odisha. Her ability to spot fresh angles brings curiosity and depth to stories she pursues. When not chasing deadlines, she enjoys spending time with her dog, planning her next vacation, reading, running new trails, and discovering new destinations.

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