2023-06-15 13:50:51
Colorectal cancer is increasing among younger people. Researchers have now investigated possible triggers – and have targeted a mold that can be detected conspicuously often.
Munich – Colorectal cancer is the second most common type of cancer in Germany. Around 61,000 new cases are diagnosed in Germany every year. What is striking is that colon cancer hits increasingly young people too. One comes to this conclusion Study from the Netherlands. Older people are more likely to be at risk of developing a malignant intestinal tumor. Most people are in their 60s or older when they are diagnosed.
Scientists are trying to find out exactly what caused the increase in younger patients. It has long been known that the combination of an unhealthy diet, obesity and lack of exercise promotes the development of colon cancer. This unhealthy lifestyle is generally increasing, often from childhood. That’s how it increases risk of other types of cancer and diseases such as type 2 diabetes, which is also caused by poor nutrition.
Colorectal cancer in younger patients is becoming more common – and more aggressive
However, the tumors also appear to be more aggressive in younger colorectal cancer patients than in older patients. This cannot only be explained by the unhealthy lifestyle. Because it not only affects overweight young people, but also those who eat a balanced diet and do sports. American researchers at Georgetown University in Washington are now targeting a completely different trigger.
In their study, they investigated whether intestinal tumors might also be caused by infections. For example, some types of cancer can also be transmitted from person to person by viruses, such as cervical cancer caused by the human papilloma virus.
Intestinal tumors in younger and older patients sometimes had different pathogens
The scientists around the oncologist Benjamin Weinberg examined for their Study microbial DNA samples from the tumors of 61 colorectal cancer patients who were either under 45 or over 65 years of age at diagnosis. Their goal: to find out whether certain bacteria, viruses or fungi occur in the different age groups or are even more prevalent than in the other group.
Mold was three times more common in younger colorectal cancer patients
It was found that the fungus Cladosporium sphaerospermum was regarding three times more common in tumors in younger colorectal cancer patients (30.6 percent) than in older ones (11 percent). Another candidate the scientists had their sights on was the bacterium Fusobacterium nucleatum. But it turned out that it occurred almost equally often in both age groups.
Cladosporium sphaerospermum belongs to the genus of molds. It prefers to be found in the forest and in the garden, as it grows particularly well on decaying plant remains and leaves. It has an increased allergy potential and is said to be responsible for various skin diseases. Whether it also causes cancer will now have to be investigated further. But one thing is certain: the microbiome in intestinal tumors in older and younger patients differs significantly, as the study states.
Pay attention to the main signs of colon cancer
Some of the clearest warning signs of colon cancer include:
- Altered bowel habits: diarrhea, constipation, or both in alternation
- Cramping abdominal pain and frequent urge to defecate, often without subsequent defecation
- Paleness and anemia are indications that the intestine has bled slightly unnoticed for a long time (oozing bleeding)
- Significant weight loss and weakness
- Visible blood in the stool
- More mucus deposits on the stool
- (Source: German Cancer Aid)
However, these symptoms can also occur with a number of other harmless intestinal diseases. In order to prevent colon cancer, you should have regular check-ups and generally pay attention to a healthy diet and sufficient exercise. Due to their slow growth, intestinal carcinomas are usually not or only weakly recognizable in the early stages.
To this seven non-specific signs should therefore be observed. In the case of symptoms such as persistent constipation, it is advisable to see a doctor as early as possible. By the way, the regular consumption of many ready meals increases the risk of colon cancer. However, it can be reduced with the right diet. But there are other things you can do in everyday life to keep your personal cancer risk as low as possible.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions regarding clinical pictures.
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