Bowel cancer has traditionally been more common in older adults, but cases in people under 50 have been climbing sharply around the world.
Researchers in the UK are digging into one of the largest archives of preserved tumours to compare historic and modern cancers and analyse how they have changed over time.
Dr. Kevin Monaghan, consultant gastroenterologist at St. Mark’s Hospital in London, joined The Anton Savage Show to discuss the sharp rise in bowel cancer rates among younger people.
Dr. Monaghan explained that researchers are investigating the issue by looking at old cancer samples from as far back as the 1930s.
With advancements in technology, these century-old samples can now be studied to better understand the causes of this alarming trend.
"The ability to analyze these samples in such detail is something we could hardly imagine just a few years ago," Dr. Monaghan said.
A key finding in the research is a link between E. coli bacteria and the rise in bowel cancer.
"We’ve found that a particular strain of E. coli is present in the tumors of younger people far more often than in older people," Dr. Monaghan explained.
This discovery has led researchers to question whether the increased presence of this bacteria could be a contributing factor to the rise in bowel cancer cases among younger populations.
Man using bowel cancer screening test England UK NHS screening test testing kit kits. Alamy.comWhen asked about potential causes, Dr. Monaghan noted that while dietary factors such as ultra-processed foods and obesity could play a role, there's no clear answer yet.
"It's a complex issue, and we need to understand more about how things like our microbiome and environmental factors are affecting our health," he said.
Looking ahead, Dr. Monaghan highlighted the possibility of new interventions, such as probiotics, which could help prevent or detect bowel cancer earlier.
He emphasised the need for continued research to uncover the root causes of the disease and develop more effective strategies for prevention.
