New Piece of Puzzle for Young-Onset Bowel Cancer
What was once a largely older adult’s disease has become increasingly diagnosed in people under age 50 over the last two decades. This pattern left scientists and doctors perplexed. Now, a trailblazing worldwide study finds early exposure to a bacterial toxin might be a leading cause. The study, published in the Nature Journal, points the finger at colibactin—a genotoxin produced by certain strains of the E. coli bacterium—as the leading suspect.
Scientists found DNA mutations induced by colibactin were far more prevalent among young-onset colorectal cancer patients diagnosed below the age of 40 compared with old-onset patients diagnosed above the age of 70.
The research indicates that exposure to colibactin during childhood will result in long-term genetic mutation that results in increased cancer during adulthood.
Role of Colibactin in DNA Damage
Some E. coli residing in the human gut synthesize colibactin.Though E. coli is a normal intestinal dweller, not all E. coli are harmless.
Double-stranded DNA breaks caused by colibactin result in mutations that can initiate cancer development.In the present research, mutations associated with colibactin were 3.3 times more prevalent in patients under the age of 40 than in patients over the age of 70.
The mutations accounted for approximately 15% of precancerous early genomic changes in colorectal cancer.
Early-Life Exposure: A Critical Window
The study also indicates that mutations associated with colibactin have a tendency to emerge during the first decade of life.
This would suggest that early childhood is a period of increased susceptibility during which colonization with colibactin-producing bacteria can have a permanent effect on colon health.
Diet, antibiotic exposure, and mode of delivery (e.g., cesarean delivery) can influence the shape and frequency of pathogenic E. coli organisms in the gut microbiome.
Global Trends and Implications
High incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer is a worldwide trend. In the UK alone, the incidence of cancer among people aged between 25 and 49 has grown by 52% since the early 1990s.
The same holds for at least 27 other countries.
Should current trends prevail, cancer from colorectal cancer by the year 2030 will become the most prevalent cause of mortality in youth.
These findings show the merit of considering lifestyle, microbial, and environmental exposures while making an estimation of cancer risk.
Potential Prevention and Screening Strategies
Understanding the function of colibactin in early-onset colorectal cancer offers new hope for prevention and early diagnosis.Scientists are exploring the application of screening tests to detect faecal samples containing the colibactin-induced mutation, which would detect individuals at higher risk before cancer onset.
In addition, therapies for modulating the gut microbiota—e.g., single probiotics or diet adjustment—would be well-tailored to decreasing levels of bacteria that produce colibactin.
What Can Individuals Do?
Although additional studies must be conducted before the suggestion, there is one thing that can be done to provide support to gut microbiota health
Diet: Eat high-fibre with a lot of fruits and vegetables to develop good gut flora.
Use of Antibiotics: Use antibiotics only after prescription by a physician and use them judiciously.
Hygiene: Practice proper food hygiene to reduce the risk of infection by pathogenic bacteria.
Regular Check-Ups: Discuss family history and any problem with a doctor if experiencing symptoms like rectal bleeding or change in bowel habits.
Conclusion
The discovery of colibactin as an aetiology of early-onset colorectal cancer is a great achievement in the aetiology of the disease.
By establishing that early-life exposures have a significant influence on long-term health, this study sets the stage for the significance of a multidisciplinary model that includes environmental, microbial, and lifestyle factors in cancer prevention.For further information about colorectal cancer and how to lower your risk, see a health professional or check the websites of reputable health organizations.