Bowel cancer: Young people at high risk, symptoms that easily go unnoticed

Bowel cancer in young people is on the rise.

As per a recent study, scientists have found that a bacterial toxin called colibactin may be causing the rise in bowel cancer among young adults. As per them, being exposed to this toxin in childhood could increase the risk of developing cancer later in life.

Although researchers are not certain how this exposure occurs, they know that colibactin is produced by certain strains of Escherichia coli bacteria in the gut. They suggest that damaging exposure likely happens within the first 10 years of life.

What is bowel cancer?

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a type of cancer that develops in the colon or rectum. It can be caused by the abnormal growth of cells in the lining of the colon or rectum, often starting as small polyps. Symptoms can include blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, and rapid weight loss.

How is colibactin linked to bowel cancer?

Colibactin has been linked to bowel cancer before, but researchers had not specifically studied its effects on people under 50 until now. This link may help explain why bowel cancer is expected to be the leading cancer-related cause of death for young adults in the coming years.

One possibility is that childhood infections produce colibactin, which then harms DNA in the bowel. These mutations can increase the chance of developing cancer later on, often many years after the colibactin is gone.

Colibactin-related DNA mutations were found to be 3.3 times more common in adults diagnosed with cancer before age 40 compared to those diagnosed at 70 or older. In older patients, the DNA patterns were more often linked to normal aging.

Causes of bowel cancer:

Bowel cancer is a complex disease with multiple potential causes and risk factors, including age, family history, diet, lifestyle, and certain medical conditions. While the exact cause is not always known, certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing bowel cancer.

Key risk factors:

Age: The risk of bowel cancer increases significantly with age, with most cases occurring in individuals over 50. However, younger adults of the age group 25-49 are getting more susceptible to the disease with the passing days.

Family history: A family history of bowel cancer or certain inherited conditions like Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) can increase the risk.

Diet: A diet low in fiber and high in fat can increase the risk of bowel cancer. Consuming large amounts of red meat and processed meats has been linked to an increased risk.

Lifestyle: Lack of regular physical activity, i.e., a sedentary lifestyle is associated with a higher risk of bowel cancer. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing bowel cancer.

Smoking and alcohol consumption: Smoking tobacco is a known risk factor for bowel cancer. Excessive alcohol use can also increase the risk.

Medical conditions:
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Individuals with chronic ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, which cause inflammation in the colon, have an increased risk of developing bowel cancer.

Polyps: Bowel polyps, which are small growths on the lining of the colon, can sometimes develop into cancer.

Radiation therapy: Previous radiation therapy to the abdomen can increase the risk of bowel cancer.

Symptoms of bowel cancer:

Bowel cancer symptoms can include changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or a change in the frequency or appearance of stools. Other common symptoms include rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, abdominal pain or cramping, and a feeling that the bowel doesn't empty completely. Fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and weakness are also possible symptoms.

Detailed look at symptoms:

Changes in bowel habits: This can include diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between the two. You might also notice changes in the frequency or appearance of your stools, such as thinner than normal stools or ribbon-like stools. Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool (can range from bright red blood to dark, tarry blood) is also indicative of the disease.

Abdominal pain or cramping: If the pain is persistent or intermittent and accompanied by bloating, you’re advised to consult a healthcare professional.

Feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation: You might feel like you need to defecate even after having a bowel movement.

Tiredness and weakness: Fatigue and weakness can be caused by anemia, which can result from blood loss in the digestive tract.

Unexplained weight loss: Weight loss without trying can be a sign of cancer.

Other symptoms: Some people may experience other symptoms like a lump in the abdomen or back passage, nausea, vomiting, or a change in appetite.


Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, frequently presents without noticeable symptoms in its nascent stages. This characteristic makes regular screening and heightened awareness crucial for early detection. As the disease progresses, individuals may begin to experience a range of symptoms, though these can often be subtle and easily mistaken for less serious conditions.




Diet plays a crucial role in gut health. Hence, eating a diet that is nutritious and gut-friendly will do just the trick. Also, limiting ultra-processed foods, processed meats, sugary drink, can help.