In Henan Province, China, a 12-year-old boy was diagnosed with terminal colon cancer after months of eating almost nothing but processed snacks and sugary drinks.
His diet consisted mainly of chicken, instant noodles, chips, and milk tea, with little to no water, fruits, or vegetables. His grandparents, who raised him, gave him snacks whenever he cried or threw tantrums, not realizing the long-term harm.
Initially, his family dismissed his stomach pain, diarrhea, and loss of appetite as a simple stomach bug. But when blood appeared in his stool and he grew extremely weak and pale, they rushed him to the hospital.
By then, the cancer had spread throughout his abdomen, and fluid had built up in his belly — a sign of advanced disease. Doctors said his eating habits had destroyed the balance of bacteria in his gut and damaged the lining of his intestines.
They explained that children’s digestive systems are more sensitive than adults’, making them especially vulnerable to the effects of high-sugar, high-fat, and high-salt foods.
This case reflects a growing trend: colon cancer, once considered a disease of older adults, is now appearing in younger people around the world.
The World Health Organization recommends that children limit added sugar to less than 10% of their daily energy intake and eat at least 400 grams of fruits and vegetables each day to reduce cancer risk.
The World Cancer Research Fund also advises regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding tobacco as part of cancer prevention.
What specific foods were part of the boy’s daily diet?
He primarily ate chicken, instant noodles, spicy flour snacks like ‘la tiao’, chips, and drank milk tea and carbonated beverages, while consuming almost no fruits, vegetables, or water.
Why did the family delay seeking medical care?
They initially believed his symptoms — stomach pain, diarrhea, and poor appetite — were due to a common stomach virus and treated him with over-the-counter medicine.
Can diet really cause colon cancer in children?
While genetics play a role, doctors said the boy’s long-term diet of processed foods and sugary drinks disrupted his gut bacteria and caused chronic inflammation, which can increase cancer risk over time — especially in children whose digestive systems are more sensitive.