A recent study has found a potential link between exposure to a mutagenic toxin produced by certain strains of Escherichia coli and the development of early-onset colorectal cancer. Researchers at the University of California, San Diego analyzed genetic signatures from nearly 1,000 people across the world and discovered that mutations caused by this toxin, called colibactin, are more commonly found in young adults.
The study’s findings suggest that colibactin may be a major contributor to early-onset colorectal cancer, which has seen an unexpected rise in rates among young Americans. The researchers argue that exposure to the toxin during early life could drive the development of these cancers.
While the study is promising, it also highlights concerns about funding for cancer research. The US government has cut NIH funding recently, which could impact the ability to conduct further studies on colibactin and its potential link to colorectal cancer.
Source: https://gizmodo.com/scientists-may-have-figured-out-why-young-people-are-getting-colorectal-cancer-more-often-2000594349