Colorectal cancer among young adults is on the rise. Today, scientists are examining how a diet high in fat and low in fiber can cause changes in the digestive system that increase the risk of early onset of colorectal cancer.
Researchers at Ohio State University say the “Western diet” can disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract, leading to inflammation that causes cells to age faster and make them more vulnerable to cancer.
They presented their results this weekend at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago.
OSU scientists found that people with early-onset colorectal cancer were biologically 15 years older on average than their chronological age. Patients with late-onset colorectal cancer had similar biological and chronological ages.
Biological age is the age of your cells, tissues and organs. Genetics, environmental exposures, and lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and sleep habits influence biological age. Chronological age refers to the number of years a person has been alive.
OSU researchers place the blame on Fusobacterium, a bacteria commonly found in the mouth and suspected of fueling the growth of colorectal cancer.
Other cancer researchers have also explored the links between the bacteria and colorectal cancer.
“Microbes are manipulatable – you can target them. So when we see that this microbe is reaching tumors and can actively contribute to disease progression, we can take that information and think about how to prevent that,” Susan Bullman, who has studied the link between microbes and cancer. explain.
As researchers try to learn more about the causes of early-onset colorectal cancer, young people continue to be diagnosed around the world at a staggering rate.
20% of new cases of colorectal cancer in 2019 were in people under 55, compared to 11% in 1995, according to the American Cancer Society.
Research has proposed that a high intake of dietary fiber may reduce the risk of several types of cancer, including esophageal, stomach, colon, and rectal cancer.
Fiber is said to ‘feed’ healthy gut bacteria, with experts suggesting that fruits like oranges and apples, whole grains, nuts and seeds may reduce your risk of cancer.
Most Americans don’t get enough fiber. Women are encouraged to consume 25 grams of fiber per day, while men should aim for 38 grams.
News Source : nypost.com
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