Warning over colon cancer risk among young and link to two common types of food

A new study has raised concerns about the link between diet and the increasing prevalence of colon cancer cases among young individuals. Researchers at the US-based Cleveland Clinic analysed data from over 60 patients to investigate the role of ‘metabolites’ in the development of this type of cancer, which affects the large intestine. ‘Metabolites’ are molecules produced during metabolism, often originating from the food and beverages we consume. The findings indicate that metabolites associated with red and processed meats could be significant contributors to young-onset colorectal cancer. To prevent this cancer, experts recommend discussing dietary choices with a doctor.

Dr Naseer Sangwan, the director of the Microbial Sequencing & Analytics Resource Core, highlighted the importance of diet as a primary driver of colon cancer risk. The study revealed a 22% increase in colon cancer cases among young adults in the UK between the early 1990s and 2018, according to the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. Cancer Research identifies colon cancer as the fourth most common cancer in the UK, with ongoing research to understand its primary causes.

In the Cleveland Clinic study, experts utilised artificial intelligence (AI) to compare older-onset and younger-onset colon cancer patients. They discovered that younger patients had higher levels of the metabolite ‘arginine’, possibly linked to the consumption of red and processed meats. Further investigations will explore this association in future experiments. Gastrointestinal oncologist Suneel Kamath emphasised the need for personalised screening based on individual biomarkers to assess colorectal cancer risk accurately.

The study sheds light on the importance of dietary choices in colorectal cancer risk and highlights the need for tailored screening approaches for early detection in younger individuals. As the research progresses, the focus on metabolites and their connection to diet could provide valuable insights into preventing and managing colon cancer among the younger population.