For a long time, colon cancer has been seen as a disease that affects older adults. However, in recent years, there has been a worrying increase in young people being diagnosed with this type of cancer. This trend has puzzled doctors and researchers alike.

Now, a group of scientists has come up with a possible explanation. They believe that a common foodborne bacteria, E. coli, might be playing a significant role in this trend. This bacteria is known to infect a large number of people each year, both in the US and the UK.

The researchers found something interesting when they looked at the DNA of young colon cancer patients. They discovered unique genetic changes in the digestive tracts of these patients. These changes seem to increase the risk of tumors forming, and they likely happen during childhood, when the body is still growing and developing.

They also found traces of a substance called colibactin in the tumors of patients under 40. Colibactin is a toxin produced by certain strains of E. coli, and it has been linked to cancer.

E. coli can be found in a variety of places. One of the most common sources is undercooked ground beef, where bacteria can spread during processing. But it's not just meat that's the problem. Leafy greens like romaine and spinach can also be contaminated, often through tainted water or contact with livestock.

Raw milk and other unpasteurized dairy products also pose a risk, along with raw produce like apples, cucumbers, and especially sprouts, which provide the perfect warm, moist environment for bacteria to thrive. E. coli can also sneak in through contaminated water, which may be used to irrigate crops or clean equipment, and poor kitchen hygiene can help it spread to other foods like poultry.

The researchers believe that these genetic changes are a kind of historical record in the genome, and they point to early-life exposure to colibactin as a driving force behind early-onset disease. This means that what happens in childhood could potentially influence the development of cancer later in life.

The number of under-50s being diagnosed with bowel cancer is increasing worldwide, with some countries seeing much higher rates than others. In the US, for example, early-onset colon cancer diagnoses are expected to rise significantly in the coming years. In the UK, the situation is similar, with thousands of cases diagnosed each year.

The researchers also found that colibactin-related mutations start early in colon tumor development, which is consistent with previous research suggesting these mutations occur in the first 10 years of life. This means that if someone acquires one of these mutations by the time they're 10 years old, they could be decades ahead of schedule for developing colorectal cancer.

Most strains of E. coli are harmless, but six strains produce toxins like colibactin. These toxin-producing strains can cause a range of symptoms, from bloody diarrhea and stomach cramps to vomiting and fever. In severe cases, it can lead to dehydration and kidney injury.

The researchers plan to investigate how children are being exposed to colibactin-producing bacteria and if medications like probiotics can eliminate harmful strains of bacteria. They also plan to look into how environmental exposures later in life can increase the risk of colon cancer.

Young People's Colon Cancer: A Hidden Childhood Threat?

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