Research found a 20% survival boost in colorectal cancer with fasting

Fasting has shown its potential to reduce colorectal cancer risk by triggering cellular changes that may slow tumor growth, with a study demonstrating a 20% improvement in overall survival. However, since cancer is also influenced by genetic factors, lifestyle changes alone aren't enough for prevention.

Non-invasive tests like BGI Genomics' COLOTECT®, based on next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, help detect early signs of colorectal cancer before symptoms appear.

How Fasting Lower Cancer Risk

Fasting Stimulates Cell Renewal and Autophagy

Fasting has been shown to activate autophagy, the body's natural process of cleaning out damaged cells and regenerating healthy ones. According to a review in Public Health Toxicology, autophagy plays a key role in preventing cancer development by maintaining cellular health and reducing oxidative stress. By clearing away cells that might otherwise turn cancerous, fasting may help the body maintain a more stable and resilient internal environment.

Reduced Inflammation and Immune Modulation

Another benefit lies in how fasting influences the immune system. Research published in Oncotarget found that fasting reduces the polarization of M2-type tumor-associated macrophages in the tumor microenvironment—cells that typically help cancer evade the immune response. This shift could allow the body to detect and destroy abnormal cells before they multiply more effectively.

Better Support During Chemotherapy

A review by Bowel Cancer Australia highlights how time-restricted feeding and fasting-mimicking diets may help reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. In some cases, fasting protects healthy cells while making cancer cells more sensitive to treatment. Although this research is still in the early stages, it opens the door to using fasting as a supportive strategy in treatment planning.

Timing Matters: Fasting Followed by Refeeding

Fasting doesn’t always come without risks. A study by MIT, covered in Medical News Today, showed that while fasting followed by refeeding promotes regeneration of intestinal cells, it could also accelerate tumor formation in individuals with a genetic predisposition. This highlights the need for personalized guidance—what benefits one person may harm another, especially when underlying genetic risks are unknown.

More Than One Way to Fast

Intermittent fasting (IF) is an umbrella term for eating patterns that alternate between periods of eating and fasting. One common style is time-restricted feeding, like the 16/8 method—fasting for 16 hours and eating within an 8-hour window.

Ramadan fasting is a well-known example, involving daily fasting from sunrise to sunset, and has drawn scientific interest for its potential health benefits. One study using metabolic risk profiles predicted that Ramadan-style fasting could lower the relative risk of colorectal cancer by about 2.4%。

Other IF approaches include the 5:2 diet (normal eating 5 days, calorie restriction on 2 days), Eat Stop Eat (24-hour fasts once or twice weekly), alternate-day fasting, and the Warrior Diet (light eating during the day, one large meal at night). These methods may support cell repair, reduce inflammation, and lower cancer risk.

Although it comes with a lot of benefits, fasting isn't for everyone. People with diabetes, on certain medications, or with a history of eating disorders should avoid it without medical guidance. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting.

Lifestyle Isn’t Enough: Early Screening Can Save Lives

The evidence has proven fasting can offer real benefits, but lifestyle changes alone are not enough to prevent colorectal cancer. Genetics play a crucial role, and many people at high risk have no obvious symptoms or family history. This is why early detection through genetic screening is essential.

While colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colorectal screening, BGI Genomics' COLOTECT® offers a more accessible alternative for early screening. It is a non-invasive colorectal cancer screening test that uses next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology to detect abnormal DNA methylation patterns in stool samples. These methylation changes are among the earliest signs of colorectal cancer development. COLOTECT® offers a convenient and accurate alternative to colonoscopies, especially for individuals at average risk who may be hesitant to undergo invasive procedures.

Fasting is more than a diet trend—it's a window into how the body maintains health and fights disease. But it should be seen as one piece of a larger strategy. Understanding your genetic risk and getting screened early—using advanced tools like COLOTECT®—remains the most reliable way to stay ahead of colorectal cancer. Combining good lifestyle choices that support long-term health and modern diagnostics that catch problems early—offers the strongest protection in the fight against cancer.

About COLOTECT®

COLOTECT® is a non-invasive fecal DNA test developed by BGI Genomics for detecting CRC and precancerous lesions. It uses multiplex methylation-specific PCR (MSP) technology to trace abnormal DNA-methylation biomarkers in CRC from stool samples. COLOTECT® has a sensitivity of 88% for detecting CRC, and a sensitivity of 46% for the early detection of advanced adenomas—both of which outperform conventional fecal tests.

About BGI Genomics

BGI Genomics, headquartered in Shenzhen, China, is the world's leading integrated solutions provider of precision medicine. Our services cover more than 100 countries and regions, involving more than 2,300 medical institutions. In July 2017, as a subsidiary of BGI Group, BGI Genomics (300676.SZ) was officially listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.