March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and a new poll by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and the Morning Exam highlights major knowledge gaps. Almost half of Americans are unaware that eating processed meat is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
The survey, conducted among 2,202 U.S. adults from February 9 to 11, 2026, also found that attitudes can quickly change opinions. After learning of this link, about two-thirds of respondents said they supported warning labels on processed meat products to highlight cancer risks.
Rising incidence of colon cancer among young people
“Given that colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in adults under the age of 50, it is concerning that many people are still unaware of the deep connection between processed meat consumption and the risk of developing colorectal cancer,” said Dr. Joseph Baroccas, an internist in Huntersville, North Carolina.
At the same time, Dr. Barrocas said the findings are encouraging because they show people are willing to learn more about the risks.
Lack of awareness in medical conversations
The survey also found that only about one in three adults recalled receiving information from a health professional about the link between processed meat and colon cancer.
“More healthcare professionals need to be educated about the relationship between diet and colorectal cancer, and in addition to recommending screening, they need to discuss with patients the preventive benefits of a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes,” said Dr. Barrokkas.
Study finds diet and lifestyle lower risk
Scientific evidence shows several ways people can reduce their risk of colorectal cancer.
- People who eat a plant-based diet have been shown to have a 22% lower risk of developing colorectal cancer compared to those who eat an omnivorous diet. This may be because plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes contain phytochemicals that can help prevent cancer.
- Maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and staying physically active also lower your risk of colorectal cancer.
- Fiber, or roughage, the source of plant foods, can help prevent colorectal cancer. One study found that people who ate the most fiber had a 72% lower risk of developing colon polyps, which can be a precursor to colorectal cancer, than those who ate the least. A high-fiber diet supports gut health and helps food pass through the digestive system faster.
Dietary fiber intake and simple meal choices
“Research shows that for every 10 grams of dietary fiber you consume each day, you can reduce your risk of colorectal cancer by up to 10%,” said Anna Harvey, DHSc, RD, CDE, nutrition education specialist at the Physicians Council. “An easy way to get this is by eating just over 1 cup of raspberries, 2 tablespoons of chia seeds, and 2/3 cup of black beans.
In March, the Physicians Committee’s Food for Life plant-based nutrition and cooking class program, developed by physicians and nutritionists, is offering classes online and across the country to help people learn how diet can play a role in cancer prevention.
