Experts have had no shortage of potential causes, but no clear answers to explain the meteoric rise in colon cancer diagnoses in young adults. Over the past two decades, adults under 55 have seen colon cancer rates double. 

Gut bacteria may be a contributing factor. Researchers have considerable evidence that colibactin could be a part of the problem. 

What Is Colibactin?

Colibactin is a toxin made by E. coli and several other types of bacteria. It is a genotoxic secondary metabolite, a compound created by bacteria to combat other bacteria by binding to and damaging DNA. As a molecule, colibactin is unstable, which is one reason it has been so difficult for researchers to study. Evidence suggests even fleeting exposure to colibactin can have lasting effects, including DNA damage that contributes to cancer development. 

 A team based at the University of California, San Diego, linked tissue samples from over 1,000 colorectal cancer patients from four continents. Most of the cancers exhibited mutations associated with colibactin. 

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Colibactin and Cancer: The Hazardous Link

The study showed that even younger patients, those under the age of 40, were three to five times more likely to exhibit genetic mutations than individuals in their 70s and older. Older demographics are typically more likely to have the genetic mutations associated with cancer. 

Based on the age of the patients and the extent of the DNA damage, researchers believe colibactin’s impact occurs within the first 10 years of life. Exposure at the ages of 5 or 10 could lead to early-stage colorectal cancer between the ages of 30 and 40. 

What Causes Colibactin Exposure?

Colibactin does not directly cause colorectal cancer, although it is one of many factors that contribute to its development. Most of these factors are environmental or lifestyle-related, such as diet and physical inactivity. 

Puzzlingly, E. coli isn’t new; it’s found in 20-30% of people, and most can synthesize the toxin with no ill effect. At the same time, there are conclusive animal studies linking colibactin exposure to a key driver of cancer, so what’s new? Health experts believe the use of antibiotics at a very young age might play a role. However, they also think breastfeeding, mode of birth, and diet (specifically ultraprocessed foods) are all contributing factors.

Prevention Is the Answer

Less Cancer is committed to making cancer prevention a keystone of public health. With increased access to care, nutritional education, and resources for healthcare providers, prevention will reduce cancer diagnoses of the 30-50% of cancers that are preventable. You can help; donate to Less Cancer today.

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