A 2023 review shows the rise in colon cancer among young people isn’t just about genes. The real drivers are food, gut bugs, and what’s in your medicine cabinet.
Lifestyle Choices
- Red & processed meats raise risk, especially cancers in the rectum.
- Ultra-processed foods (sugary snacks, sodas, packaged meals) damage gut health.
- Low fiber diets starve good gut bacteria, leaving the gut lining vulnerable.
- Smoking, alcohol, obesity, and inactivity all add to risk.
Gut Microbiome
Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria. When they’re out of balance (a problem called dysbiosis), it fuels inflammation and even damages cells. Some gut bugs—like E. coli and Fusobacterium—are especially linked to colon cancer.
In fact, E. coli makes a toxin called colibactin, which leaves a scar on colon cell DNA. This scar showed up 3x more often in people under 40 with colon cancer, hinting that the seeds of cancer may be planted early—even in childhood.
Medications
- Antibiotics (especially broad-spectrum) are linked to right-sided colon cancers.
- Other common meds like PPIs (acid reflux), SSRIs (depression), and NSAIDs (painkillers) may also upset bacterial balance.
Genes vs. Lifestyle
Yes, some people inherit higher risks, but genes explain only a small portion of cases. Lifestyle choices matter more—and they’re things we can control.
