NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) -- Yogurt isn't just part of a great breakfast; it could have protective benefits against a certain type of aggressive colon cancer.

Researchers at Mass General Brigham analyzed data from over 150,000 questionnaires about lifestyle factors and disease outcomes, as well as intake of plain and flavored yogurt and other dairy products.

The people who filled out the questionnaires were followed for about three decades.

It was discovered that people who have two or more servings of yogurt each week had a lower rate of proximal colon cancer that was positive for Bifidobacterium.

Proximal colon cancer is a type that occurs on the right side of the colon and has the worst survival outcomes compared to patients with distal cancers (which occur on the left side).

"It has long been believed that yogurt and other fermented milk products are beneficial for gastrointestinal health," said the co-senior author, Dr. Tomotaka Ugai. "Our new findings suggest that this protective effect may be specific for Bifidobacterium-positive tumors."

The third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths for men and the fourth-leading cause for women is colorectal cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. It's estimated that about 53,000 people will die from it in 2025.

The deaths have been dropping for older adults, but rates have been increasing since the mid-2000s for people who are younger than 55.

This yogurt study is adding to evidence that shows the connection between diet, the gut microbiome, and the risk of colorectal cancer.

"It provides an additional avenue for us to investigate the specific role of these factors in the risk of colorectal cancer among young people," said co-author, Dr. Andrew T. Chan.