In a groundbreaking effort to understand the alarming rise in bowel cancer among young people, researchers are turning to century-old tumour samples preserved in hospital archives. This pioneering study aims to uncover environmental and lifestyle factors driving the increase, with potential implications for prevention and treatment.
Bowel cancer, once primarily a disease of older adults, is increasingly affecting younger populations worldwide. In the UK, rates have surged by 75% in individuals under 24 since the early 1990s, with similar trends observed globally. Despite being the fourth most common cancer in the UK, the reasons behind this shift remain elusive, prompting a novel investigative approach.
The study, led by scientists at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in collaboration with St Mark’s Hospital in London, utilizes a unique collection of tens of thousands of bowel cancer specimens stored for up to a century. These samples, preserved in paraffin wax, provide a historical record that can be compared with modern cases to identify changes over time.
Advanced molecular analysis techniques will examine the DNA of these tumours for specific signatures or “fingerprints” left by various causes. Professor Trevor Graham from ICR explained that one leading theory involves a type of E. coli bacteria that may be more prevalent today, releasing toxins that damage bowel tissue and lead to cancer. Other hypotheses include dietary shifts, exposure to pollutants like microplastics, and changes in gut microbiome.
Personal stories underscore the urgency of this research. Holly Masters, a 27-year-old actor from East Anglia, was diagnosed with stage three rectal cancer over four years ago after symptoms were initially mistaken for irritable bowel syndrome. Her experience highlights the challenges faced by young patients, who often undergo aggressive treatments and face long-term physical and emotional consequences.
Dr. Kevin Monahan, a gastroenterologist at St Mark’s, emphasized the need to pinpoint causes to develop effective prevention strategies. “We have a lot to learn about why this has been increasing in recent decades,” he said, noting that factors could range from genetics and sedentary lifestyles to environmental exposures.
The research, dubbed the “Boomers Project,” could pave the way for larger-scale studies and inform public health initiatives. By understanding how exposome—the totality of environmental exposures—contributes to cancer risk, scientists hope to tailor screening programs and lifestyle recommendations for younger adults.
Ultimately, this study represents a significant step towards demystifying the rise in early-onset bowel cancer. While maintaining a healthy diet and seeking medical advice for symptoms remain crucial, the findings may unlock new avenues for reducing incidence and improving outcomes for future generations.
