Gut bacteria may play a role in the rise in colon cancer in young adults
A new study suggests that a toxin called colibactin, produced by certain strains of E. coli and other gut bacteria, may contribute to the rising rates of early-onset colon cancer. Researchers found DNA mutations linked to colibactin in the majority of colorectal cancer patients under 40, with evidence suggesting exposure occurs in early childhood. While the findings show a strong association, they do not prove causation, and scientists believe multiple factors likely interact to increase cancer risk.
- ▪Researchers at the University of California, San Diego analyzed tissue samples from nearly 1,000 colorectal cancer patients across four continents.
- ▪Patients under 40 with early-onset colon cancer were three to five times more likely to have colibactin-linked mutations than those over 70.
- ▪The study estimates that exposure to the toxin occurs within the first 10 years of life, potentially accelerating cancer development by decades.
- ▪Colibactin is a genotoxin produced by certain E. coli strains that can damage DNA and may contribute to cancer when directed at human gut cells.
- ▪Scientists believe colibactin is one of many factors, rather than a sole cause, in the rise of colorectal cancer among younger adults.
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Your Health Damage from gut bacteria may play a role in the rise in colon cancer in young adults April 25, 20256:00 AM ET By Will Stone Bacterial toxin may be factor in rise of colon cancer in younger people, study finds Listen · 2:47 2:47 Transcript Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/g-s1-62623/nx-s1-5435784-1" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript Escherichia coli or E. coli is a part of family of bacteria that are commonly found in the human gut. Scientists found that a toxin the bacteria release is linked to some cases of colorectal cancer.
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