March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. A new poll shows that almost half of Americans do not know that eating processed meat can increase the chance of getting colon cancer.
The poll asked 2,202 adults from February 9‑11, 2026. After learning the fact, about two‑thirds said they would support warning labels on processed‑meat packages.
More Young People Are Getting Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death for people under 50. It is worrying that many still miss the strong link between processed meat and this disease, says Dr. Joseph Barrocas, an internal‑medicine doctor.
Dr. Barrocas also noted that the results are hopeful because people are willing to learn.
Doctors Need to Talk About Food
Only about one in three adults remember hearing from a health‑care professional that processed meat is linked to colon cancer.
"More doctors should know the diet‑cancer connection," Dr. Barrocas says. "Along with screening, they should advise patients to eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans."
How Diet and Lifestyle Lower Risk
- People who follow a plant‑based diet have a 22 % lower chance of developing colon cancer compared with those who eat meat.
- Keeping a healthy weight, drinking less alcohol, and staying active also reduce risk.
- Fiber protects the colon. Those who eat the most fiber have a 72 % lower chance of getting colon polyps, which can turn into cancer.
Simple Ways to Add Fiber
Research shows that for every 10 grams of fiber added each day, the risk of colon cancer drops about 10 %.
Easy sources of fiber are a little over a cup of raspberries, two tablespoons of chia seeds, or two‑thirds of a cup of black beans.
During March, the Physicians Committee’s Food for Life program offers online and in‑person cooking classes to teach how a plant‑based diet can help prevent cancer.