Bowel cancer refers to any cancer that develops in the large bowel, including the rectum and colon. Also known as colorectal cancer, the risk factors include family history, age, and existing medical conditions. A new study has additionally found that being overweight as a child and young adult increases your chances of subsequently developing bowel cancer. Therefore, bowel cancer prevention should be implemented as early as possible.
The Study On Bowel Cancer Prevention and Causes
The study also found that babies who weighed more at birth were also more likely to develop bowel cancer later in life. This research reveals that bowel cancer develops over a long period of time, typically decades. This is unlike certain cancers that may develop over months or years. According to the study, for every five-point increase in BMI above the healthy range raised the risk of developing bowel cancer increased by 12%. This was specifically in reference to the 18 to 25-year age bracket.
Risk Increase In Younger Children
A high body mass index was associated with a 5 to 18% risk increase in children aged 10 to 19. The same correlation between weight and risk increase was noted in children between the ages of two and nine. Additionally, for every one kilogram increase beyond the healthy range at birth was associated with a 9% increase in bowel cancer risk. According to the lead researcher, Dr Dieuwertje Kok, ‘While the link between adult body size and bowel cancer is well established, the impact of body size earlier in life is less clear.”
Bridging Gaps In Knowledge
The Dr, who is also Associate Professor of Nutrition and Cancer at Wageningen University & Research, added that, “This study bridges the existing knowledge gap and enhances our understanding of how early life factors may affect colorectal cancer risk in adults.” These studies couldn’t come at a better time, considering the dramatic surge in bowel cancer diagnosis in adults under 50 years of age. According to The American Cancer Society’s estimates for 2025, they anticipate around 107,320 new cases of colon cancer and 46,950 new cases of rectal cancer.
The Biggest Increase Is Among 40-Something Men
An increase in diagnoses reveals that we need to find more effective bowel cancer prevention methods. While diagnoses are increasing, not all age groups are affected equally. According to the NHS in the UK, men aged 40 to 44 were the most affected over the last five years. In 2019, one in every 6,000 men in this age group was diagnosed with bowel cancer. By 2022, this number had grown to one in every 3,800 men in their early to mid-40s.
Other Factors
Various other early origin factors have been associated with the disease as experts try to establish the source of the increase in cases. Another study recently revealed that E. coli may actually be contributing to the development of bowel cancer in younger people. The study analyzed 981 colorectal cancer genomes from patients across 11 different countries. The study revealed that colibactin-related DNA mutations were 3.3 times more common in people diagnosed before age 40 compared to those diagnosed after age 70. Colibactin is a toxin that certain strains of E. Coli produce.
Sources of E. Coli
Undercooked ground beef is one of the most common ways people are exposed to E. coli. This is because the bacteria spread quickly during meat preparation. However, the risks do not stop with meat. Leafy vegetables, such as romaine lettuce and spinach, are also common sources. They are typically contaminated in the field by dirty water or contact with farm animals. Raw milk and other unpasteurized dairy products pose similar risks. Even undercooked fruits and vegetables can be harmful because their moist, warm surfaces provide the perfect conditions for bacteria to thrive.
Review of Studies From the Netherlands
Researchers in the Netherlands reviewed 37 studies that examined early-life BMI and bowel cancer risk. According to their findings, having a higher BMI as a child or adolescent increases the risk of acquiring colon cancer as an adult. This further proves that being overweight early in life may have long-term implications for gut health and cancer risk. The more we learn about the factors that increase one’s risk, the better our chances of developing effective bowel cancer prevention and treatment methods.
The Bottom Line
Bowel cancer prevention may begin far earlier than previously thought, perhaps even at birth. The data has associated early-life weight and bacterial exposure to increased cancer risk. It is therefore evident that developing healthy behaviors at a young age is critical. A healthy BMI, good dietary hygiene, and limiting exposure to E. coli can all help to reduce bowel cancer risk. The sooner these behaviors are encouraged, the higher the chances of maintaining long-term digestive health.
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