On June 6, 2026, Taiwanese media ETtoday reported that three habits influence why Japan's colorectal cancer incidence rate is as high as 5th in the world.

The article cited "long working hours due to desk work," "the lethal power of alcohol," and "processed meat products" as "carcinogenic landmines" more dangerous than eating meat, based on a Japanese internist's observations.

First, regarding desk work, it explained that if continued for 10 years, the incidence of colorectal cancer doubles compared to those who have never done sedentary work, and that the period when Japan's colorectal cancer data began to rise from the 1960s coincided with the rapid increase in the clerical workforce and the spread of private cars.

Next, regarding alcohol, it explained that if Japanese men drink more than two go (360 ml) of sake daily, their colorectal cancer incidence rate doubles compared to non-drinkers. It added that if both tobacco and alcohol are consumed, the risk triples, and since Japanese people are genetically weak in alcohol metabolism, the impact becomes serious.

Furthermore, regarding processed meats such as sausages and ham, it introduced that they are classified as "carcinogenic" by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). It stated, "The problem is not eating meat, but the type of meat consumed."

The article also introduced an estimate by a Japanese doctor, stating that if Japanese men did not drink alcohol and smoke, nearly half of colorectal cancer cases could be prevented. (Edited/Translated by Kawajiri)