Among the most popular ideas explaining the concerning increase in colon cancer cases among young individuals are genetic and dietary factors. Recent preliminary analysis of genetic data from patients further points to the gut as the origin of the illness.
The researchers from Ohio State University unveiled their findings during the recent meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago. They examined tumor genomic data for the analysis.
The researchers have found that the ability of the gut to naturally combat cancer may be disrupted due to escalated inflammation caused by a diet rich in fats and deficient in fiber. In addition, it was observed that the cells of younger individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer appeared to exhibit an average acceleration in aging equivalent to 15 years more than their actual age. This phenomenon is noteworthy, as older individuals with colorectal cancer do not experience a comparable acceleration in cellular aging.
2023 research from the American Cancer Society states that the risk of colorectal cancer in young individuals has been alarmingly growing. One in five instances of colorectal cancer in 2019 included a person under the age of 55. This signifies that the rate has experienced a twofold increase in a period of under 30 years, starting from a ratio of 1 in 10 in 1995.
According to a thorough investigation conducted in 2017, it was found that consuming 3.5 ounces of red or processed meat per day—equivalent to the size of a deck of playing cards—increased an individual's susceptibility to colorectal cancer by 12%. Furthermore, this study drew a correlation between alcohol consumption, with its notable ethanol content, and an elevated risk of colon cancer. Conversely, adopting a high-fiber diet has been proven to effectively mitigate the chances of developing such risks.
This most recent study confirmed earlier results that Fusobacterium bacteria are linked to colorectal cancer. While the presence of fusobacterium in the mouth is not rare, patients with colorectal cancer are more likely than healthy individuals to have the bacteria in their intestines. According to one study, the presence of fusobacterium in the stool was five times more common in colorectal cancer patients than in healthy individuals.
According to the authors of the 2023 study conducted by the American Cancer Society, there is a higher occurrence of colorectal cancer in males compared to females. This discrepancy is believed to be a result of variations in the prevalence of risk factors, specifically additional weight on the body and consumption of processed meat.
It is advisable for individuals below the age of 45 to promptly inform a healthcare professional if they experience rectal bleeding, constipation, or sudden alterations in bowel movements, as such conditions could potentially be indicative of colorectal cancer. It is generally recommended that most individuals commence screening for colorectal cancer at approximately 45 years of age.