Over the past two decades, cases of colorectal cancer have risen significantly among people under age 50, at a rate twice as fast as among people over age 75. This mysterious increase prompted scientists to search for possible causes.
It is thought that environmental factors, such as eating ultra-processed foods, pollution and overuse of antibiotics, may contribute to altered bacteria in the gut, increasing the likelihood of cancer.
Now, a team of scientists from five countries, including King’s College London, is planning pioneering trials to test whether weight loss injections can provide protection against changes in the gut microbiome, which are thought to precede cancer in people at risk.
The team has secured £20 million from prominent charities, such as Cancer Research UK, to fund a new study that will start early next year. He will conduct clinical trials under the supervision of Professor Andrew Chan, from Harvard University, where the effect of semaglutide injections (such as “Ozambik”) will be tested on patients with a history of benign tumors.
The goal is to find out whether these injections can reduce the growth of early tumors, especially in people at high risk of colon cancer.
Previous studies have shown that these injections may help prevent several types of cancer, such as pancreatic cancer, kidney cancer, and ovarian cancer. It is believed that medications belonging to the GLP-1 agonists category, which work to reduce the feeling of hunger, may contribute to enhancing the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines, thus preventing the proliferation of harmful bacteria associated with colon cancer.
In this context, scientists are also studying the relationship between obesity and high risks of colon cancer.
Source: Daily Mail
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**Interview with Dr. Lisa Thompson, Oncologist and Colorectal Cancer Researcher**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Thompson. We’ve seen a troubling rise in colorectal cancer cases among individuals under 50. Can you explain what’s contributing to this increase?
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for having me. Yes, it is indeed concerning. Research indicates that several factors may be at play, including dietary changes, obesity rates, and decreased physical activity. Plus, there’s a component of genetic predisposition that we’re just starting to understand.
**Editor:** The rise seems alarmingly rapid. What do you mean by ‘twice as fast’ compared to older populations?
**Dr. Thompson:** It means that people under 50 are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer at an accelerated rate compared to those over 75. In the past, colorectal cancer was primarily seen in older adults, but this shift is forcing us to rethink screening guidelines and early detection strategies for younger individuals.
**Editor:** Are there specific symptoms or warning signs that younger individuals should be aware of?
**Dr. Thompson:** Absolutely. Symptoms like persistent abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, unintentional weight loss, or blood in the stool should not be dismissed. Young people often overlook these symptoms, attributing them to less serious issues, which can delay diagnosis.
**Editor:** What steps can be taken to further investigate this troubling trend?
**Dr. Thompson:** We need more research into lifestyle factors, genetic markers, and perhaps even environmental influences that might contribute to this rise. Additionally, increasing awareness and encouraging discussions around symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
**Editor:** What are your recommendations for individuals under 50 in terms of screening and prevention?
**Dr. Thompson:** I’d recommend that anyone with noticeable symptoms see a healthcare provider right away. For those with a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors, it may be beneficial to start screenings earlier than the typical age of 45.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Thompson. It’s crucial that we address this issue with urgency and awareness.
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for shedding light on this important topic. Awareness is the first step towards prevention.
