Daijiworld Media Network – Boston

Boston, Jul 9: Colon cancer, once largely seen as a disease of the elderly, is increasingly affecting people under 50 – a worrying trend that experts say is being fuelled by unhealthy modern diets and rising obesity rates.

Researchers are pointing to ultra-processed foods – quick snacks, sugary drinks and ready-to-eat meals – as silent contributors to gut inflammation, harmful bacteria, and DNA-damaging toxins. Doctors now believe that what people eat today could be triggering colon cancer decades earlier than expected.

The link between obesity and early-onset colorectal cancer is growing stronger. A study published in BJS found that women with obesity were nearly twice as likely to develop colon cancer before 50. The CDC warns that obesity-related inflammation and higher insulin levels are known to increase the risk of gastrointestinal cancers.

Meanwhile, early-onset cases are rising at an alarming pace. For men under 50 in the US, colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Among women, it is the second leading cause. Those born in 1990 are now twice as likely to develop colon cancer and four times more likely to develop rectal cancer compared to those born in 1950.

Other major risk factors include smoking, alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyles, and diets high in fat and low in fibre. Doctors have also highlighted the role of a toxin called colibactin, produced by gut bacteria, which can damage colon cells and trigger cancer.

The cancer disproportionately affects Black, Hispanic, Indigenous, and Asian communities, and experts warn that it is often diagnosed late in young patients due to delayed suspicion. As a result, many require aggressive treatment, which may not improve survival and can severely affect quality of life.

The American Cancer Society says colorectal cancer is expected to cause around 52,900 deaths this year in the US alone. Medical professionals are calling for improved screening strategies and greater public awareness.

Dr Sara Char, a fellow at Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, said more research is urgently needed. “Understanding the biology of early-onset GI cancers is critical to shaping prevention and treatment,” she said.

The surge in cases is pushing a rethink of screening guidelines, lifestyle awareness, and food choices. Experts say a healthier diet, more physical activity, and regular medical checks can make all the difference.