A recent study has found that young people’s colon cancer cases may be linked to a phenomenon known as “accelerated agers,” where their biological age exceeds their chronological age. This is caused by a combination of lifestyle choices, environmental factors, and other health considerations.
Researchers analyzed blood samples from people under 50 who had undergone colonoscopies to calculate their biological age. They found that for every year of accelerated aging, there was a 16% increased risk of developing polyps, which can lead to cancer.
The study’s findings have significant implications for the prevention and treatment of colon cancer in young people. Dr. Shria Kumar, a colorectal cancer specialist, believes that biological age provides distinct health information that could help prevent cancer.
Accelerated agers are becoming more common, despite life expectancy increasing. The researchers also found that other risk factors associated with colon cancer, such as obesity and smoking history, were not linked to the disease in this study.
The rise of colon cancer cases in young people has led to a reevaluation of screening recommendations. In the US, health chiefs now recommend starting colon cancer screening at 45 due to the surge in cases among younger age groups. The UK’s NHS screening program is limited to those aged 54-74.
A new approach to screening, including stool-sample tests collected at home, may help identify early-onset colorectal cancers. However, more research is needed to determine who is likely to experience accelerated aging and prioritize them for colonoscopies.
The study highlights the importance of understanding the link between lifestyle factors and colon cancer risk. Poor diets, obesity, smoking, and other health habits can contribute to accelerated aging, which increases the risk of developing colon cancer. The exact reason for this link is still not fully understood, but research suggests that it may be related to changes in the microbiome of young people’s guts.
The findings also raise concerns about the increasing number of deaths from colon cancer, with analysis suggesting 2,500 additional deaths per year and a 10% increase in diagnoses by 2040.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14176551/Scientists-cause-mystery-colon-cancers-young-people-lifestyle-factors.html