According to the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), numerous studies suggest a link between coffee consumption and a lower risk of colorectal and bowel cancer.

A WCRF-funded study published in 2024 in the International Journal of Cancer found that drinking 4 cups of coffee per day had an association with a 32% lower risk of colorectal cancer recurrence. The study involved 1,719 participants with colorectal cancer in stages 1 through 3.

Coffee consumption may contribute to this outcome by:

The American Cancer Society also mentions findings in which coffee drinkers had a lower risk of colorectal cancer than people who did not drink coffee.

Interestingly, there are differences between caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee. Caffeinated coffee has an association with a higher risk of rectal cancer but not of colon cancer. These findings suggest that the body may metabolize the two types of coffee differently.

People may be able to help prevent colorectal cancer through habits such as:

  • engaging in physical activity
  • eating a nutritious diet
  • avoiding tobacco and alcohol use