Daijiworld Media Network- Ajman

Ajman, May 28: In a concerning medical development, researchers have reported a steep rise in cases of bowel cancer among young adults, pointing to a bacterial toxin as a possible cause. According to a recent scientific study, a substance known as colibactin—produced by certain strains of E. coli bacteria in the gut—may be behind this worrying trend.

Experts believe that early-life exposure to colibactin, particularly within the first ten years, could trigger DNA damage in the bowel, eventually leading to colorectal cancer. What makes this discovery more unsettling is the potential for the toxin to silently embed cancer-causing mutations that only surface decades later.

Bowel cancer, also referred to as colorectal cancer, originates in the colon or rectum. It often begins as benign polyps, which can turn cancerous over time. The condition has historically affected people over 50, but recent statistics show an alarming rise in patients between 25 and 49 years of age.

Doctors warn that bowel cancer can remain silent in its early stages, but some of the notable symptoms include:

• Blood in the stool (bright red or tarry)

• Persistent changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or narrow stools)

• Unexplained weight loss

• Abdominal pain or cramping

• A constant feeling of needing to empty the bowels

• Fatigue or weakness

Early detection is critical for effective treatment, which is why medical professionals urge young adults not to ignore these warning signs.

The toxin colibactin has long been associated with bowel cancer in older adults, but this is the first time its impact on younger populations has been highlighted. The study found that DNA mutations associated with colibactin were 3.3 times more common in patients under 40 than in those aged 70 or above, where aging-related mutations were more prevalent.

Scientists believe that childhood infections involving colibactin-producing E. coli strains might be causing hidden DNA damage in the gut lining, leading to cancer years down the line.

Apart from genetic mutations caused by colibactin, various other factors can increase the risk of bowel cancer:

• Age: Risk increases with age, though now affecting more young adults.

• Family History: Conditions like Lynch syndrome and FAP raise risk levels.

• Diet: High intake of red or processed meat and low-fiber diets are harmful.

• Lifestyle: Sedentary behavior, obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol use all elevate risk.

• Medical History: Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis can be precursors.

Doctors emphasize the importance of lifestyle changes and regular screening, especially for those with a family history of the disease. “Bowel cancer is increasingly affecting individuals who are otherwise young and healthy,” said a leading oncologist. “Timely awareness and action can save lives.”

As the medical community continues its fight against this silent killer, the new findings urge individuals—especially the youth—to take digestive health seriously and consult healthcare professionals at the earliest signs of discomfort.