Scientists have initiated a study involving preserved bowel cancer samples, some dating back a century, to investigate the documented increase in bowel cancer diagnoses among younger populations. The research aims to identify the specific factors contributing to the rise of the disease in individuals under 50.
Observed Trends in Bowel Cancer Incidence
Globally, an increase in bowel cancer rates among younger adults has been observed. In the United Kingdom, individuals under 24 years old have experienced a 75% rise in bowel cancer rates since the early 1990s. For the 25-49 age group, rates have increased by 51% during the same period. While the majority of bowel cancer cases continue to occur in older adults, this upward trend in younger demographics is the subject of ongoing study, with underlying causes remaining undetermined.
Research Methodology and Collaboration
St Mark's The National Bowel Hospital maintains an archive of tens of thousands of preserved bowel cancer samples, including those from every patient treated over decades. These samples, stored in paraffin wax, are being transported to the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) for detailed molecular analysis.
This advanced analysis, made feasible by recent scientific advancements, seeks to identify specific DNA signatures within cancerous cells, which can indicate the causes of cancer development. Researchers will also examine associated gut bacteria. By tracking the prevalence of these signatures over several decades, the study aims to pinpoint factors influencing cancer development in younger individuals.
Research Objectives and Leadership
The primary objective of this research is to identify the causes behind the increased incidence of bowel cancer in young adults, which could inform the development of effective prevention strategies for early-onset bowel cancer.
Dr. Kevin Monahan, a consultant gastroenterologist at St Mark's Hospital, stated the necessity of developing such prevention methods in response to the global increase in bowel cancer among individuals under 50. Professor Trevor Graham, from the Institute of Cancer Research, is leading the analysis of these historical samples.
Potential Contributing Factors Under Investigation
The research will consider various factors that have been proposed as potential contributors to this increase, including:
- Obesity
- Ultra-processed foods
- Antibiotic use and its impact on the human microbiome
- Air pollution
- Microplastics