The Gut Microbiome's Role in Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer: A Dietary Connection

In an era where colorectal cancer rates are surprisingly on the rise among younger adults, researchers are delving into the connection between diet, gut bacteria, and this alarming trend. Dr Jordan Kharofa, an associate professor at the University of Cincinnati's College of Medicine and a UC Health physician, is shedding light on how our eating habits may be influencing this concerning rise in cancer cases.

Colorectal cancer, typically associated with older age, has been steadily creeping into the lives of younger individuals. Since 2009, the rate of new colorectal cancer diagnoses in patients under 50 has been increasing by 2% each year, making it a pressing concern for the medical community. But why are younger adults being affected? Dr. Kharofa and his team have been exploring the connection between a person's diet and the composition of their gut microbiome.

The Gut Microbiome: Unraveling the Mystery

The gut microbiome, a complex ecosystem of microorganisms, has come under the scientific spotlight in recent years. Previous research has hinted at a link between certain bacteria species in the gut and colorectal cancer. Dr. Kharofa's team sought to investigate whether these cancer-associated bacteria were more prevalent in younger colorectal cancer patients compared to their older counterparts and healthy individuals. Their findings were unexpected. The two bacteria species most closely associated with causing colorectal cancer were not found in higher levels among young patients. This suggests that these particular bacteria may not be the culprits behind the rising cancer rates in younger people. However, the study uncovered a significant connection between five other bacteria and young-onset colorectal cancer. One of these bacteria species is linked to a sulfur microbial diet, characterized by high consumption of processed meats, low-calorie drinks, and liquor, combined with a low intake of raw fruits, vegetables, and legumes. It's not that the foods themselves contain carcinogens, but rather that the byproducts produced during bacteria metabolism in response to this diet may lead to the formation of carcinogenic chemicals.

The Takeaway: Eat More Fruits and Veggies

While more research is needed to fully understand the complex relationship between diet, gut bacteria, and colorectal cancer, Dr. Kharofa suggests a practical takeaway for young adults: incorporate more raw fruits, vegetables, and legumes into your diet, and reduce your consumption of processed meats. While the exact mechanisms remain a subject of further investigation, one thing is clear: opting for less processed foods and embracing diets rich in fresh produce could be a powerful step toward reducing the risk of colorectal cancer, particularly in younger populations.

Phago'Citations':

1. Kharofa, Jordan et al. “Metagenomic analysis of the fecal microbiome in colorectal cancer patients compared to healthy controls as a function of age.” Cancer medicine vol. 12,3 (2023): 2945-2957. doi:10.1002/cam4.5197

2. News article: https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2022/06/uc-studies-microbiomes-effect-on-young-colorectal-cancer.html

3. Image credit: Darryl Leja, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health (downloaded via Flickr)