Scientists have identified a bacterial toxin called colibactin as a potential cause of rising bowel cancer rates among young adults. Research analyzed tissue samples from 981 individuals across 11 countries found that childhood exposure to colibactin may increase the risk of later cancer development.
Colibactin is produced by certain strains of E. coli in the gut, and early-life exposure is likely the primary source of damage. The toxin’s presence has been linked to damaging mutations in DNA, which can lead to cancer years after it disappears.
The study found that colibactin-related DNA mutations were 3.3 times more common in adults under 40 compared to those over 70. This suggests that early exposure may put individuals at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer decades earlier than expected.
While previous research has identified associations with diet and lifestyle, this study highlights the potential role of environmental factors early in life. Further research is needed to confirm the findings and explore prevention strategies, including how colibactin can be protected against.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/one-cancer-is-rising-rapidly-in-younger-people-and-bacteria-could-be-why