Home / Health / UK Study: Bowel Cancer Rise Linked to Past Exposures
UK Study: Bowel Cancer Rise Linked to Past Exposures
7 Jan
Summary
- Bowel cancer is the UK's fourth most common cancer.
- Early-onset bowel cancer diagnoses are sharply increasing.
- 1950s samples will be compared with modern cases.
Bowel cancer remains a significant health concern in the UK, ranking as the fourth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. While screening has helped in older populations, a notable increase in diagnoses among younger individuals is occurring, with projections indicating a doubling of cases between 2010 and 2030. This trend has prompted researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London to initiate a groundbreaking study.
The "Boomers Project" involves a meticulous comparison of bowel cancer specimens dating back to the 1950s, preserved at St Marks Hospital, with contemporary cancer samples. The core hypothesis is that changes in the "exposome"—encompassing shifts in diet, lifestyle, and environmental exposures over the decades—are contributing to the alarming rise in early-onset bowel cancer. Scientists are investigating various theories, including dietary habits, microplastic exposure, and microbiome alterations.
This comparative genomic analysis aims to illuminate how environmental influences have shaped cancer DNA over time. If successful, the study could offer crucial insights into the causes of bowel cancer in young people, potentially leading to new prevention and treatment strategies. Experts emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle and prompt medical consultation for any new bowel symptoms in reducing risk.
