Bowel cancer cases among people under 50 have increased by 22% over the last few decades, with over 2,600 new diagnoses each year. The exact cause is unknown, but scientists point to a growing list of factors including sedentary lifestyles, obesity, heavy drinking, and low-fibre diets. A recent study suggests that exposure to a toxin called colibactin in childhood may also be contributing to the surge.
Colibactin is produced by certain strains of E. coli bacteria, which can cause DNA damage and mutations. Researchers found that 10-15% of bowel cancer cases contain these mutations, and that children who developed bowel cancer before age 40 were 3.3 times more likely to have been exposed to colibactin.
While the study suggests a link between colibactin and early onset bowel cancer, it is unclear what can be done to prevent or mitigate exposure. Scientists are exploring probiotics as a potential solution, but there is no routine test for colibactin-related mutations.
In the meantime, experts recommend lowering bowel cancer risk through simple changes such as adding more fibre to your diet, limiting red and processed meat intake, and maintaining a healthy weight. Regular exercise, cutting back on alcohol, and staying vigilant about symptoms can also help prevent diagnosis at an advanced stage.
Source: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/conditions/cancer/e-coli-bowel-cancer