
Exposure to toxin increases colorectal cancer risk among younger adults, study finds
Fox News
Amid the alarming trend of colorectal cancer cases rising among young people, a new study has linked a bacterial toxin called colibactin to the increase in early-onset cases.
Colibactin is produced by certain strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) that exist in the colon and rectum, according to the researchers. "They could be decades ahead of schedule for developing colorectal cancer." "If current trends continue, colorectal cancer is projected to become the leading cause of cancer-related death among young adults by 2030." Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.
Exposure to the bacterial toxin during early childhood can alter the DNA of colon cells in a way that increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer before age 50, the study found.













