Poor diet increases the risk of several types of cancer, but most commonly that of the colon. Colon cancer occurs when tumours form in the lining of the large intestine and it is most commonly seen in men and women beyond the age of 50 years. Diet has been found to have an important role in the development of colon cancer. Since colorectal cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer – related deaths all over the world, it is important to understand the role of the diet so that the risk of mortality can be reduced. It has been found that a diet rich in red meats or processed meats increases the risk of colorectal cancer by up to 18 %. While meat has been found to have a causative role, certain food items like fresh fruits and vegetables have a protective role, and thus help to lower your risk of colon cancer.