Antibiotic use linked to colon cancer risk in younger people

Written by Debbie Lambert

March 1, 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is currently the second most commonTrusted Source cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S.

Traditionally, CRC develops in older people. However, the incidence of CRC in younger people — meaning those below 50 years of age — has increasedTrusted Source over the last 25 years. Researchers from the United Kingdom recently conducted a large population-based case-controlled study involving data from almost 40,000 people.

They identified a link between antibiotic use and the risk of developing colon cancer before 50 years of age. This link was stronger in younger people. Their findings appear in the British Journal of CancerTrusted Source.

Lead author Dr. Leslie Samuel, who is based at the University of Aberdeen, explained the situation to Medical News Today:

“There has been a substantial increase in antibiotics consumption by children across the globe, and it is likely that this is a factor — perhaps a minor factor — in the increased, and unfortunately increasing, incidence of both colon and rectal cancer in young people.” “Other factors that are also likely related include refined food diets high in sugar, obesity, physical inactivity, and diabetes,” he continued.

Click here to read the full article: Antibiotic use linked to early onset colon cancer (medicalnewstoday.com)