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September 1, 2023, GQ published an alarming article titled "Colon and Rectal Cancer Rates Are Going Up And Scientists Aren't Sure Why."
The article discusses the concerning rise in colorectal cancers among young people since the 1990s and potential risk factors associated with this trend. These risk factors include inactivity, low dietary fiber intake, obesity, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use, although the exact reasons for the increase remain unclear. "Western dietary patterns," characterized by high consumption of red and processed meats, added sugar, and refined grains, have been linked to higher colorectal cancer risks.
To address this growing issue, the American Cancer Society changed its colorectal cancer screening guidelines in 2018, recommending screening for people with average risk starting at age 45, down from the previous age of 50. Notably, a study from 2017 found that individuals born around 1990 had double the risk of colon cancer and four times the risk of rectal cancer compared to those born in 1950. The death of actor Chadwick Boseman from colon cancer in 2020 further raised awareness of this disease's impact on young, otherwise healthy individuals.
The article also highlights a recent study conducted by the Salk Institute and UC San Diego, which investigated the potential connection between a high-fat diet and colorectal cancer risk. While the study, conducted in mice, demonstrated that a high-fat diet altered the gut microbiome and increased bile acids, which are associated with a higher cancer risk, it's important to note that the study's findings may not directly apply to humans. Additionally, the mice's diet did not accurately represent the diverse diets of people. The researchers intend to explore how a high-fat diet affects the microbiome and bile acids in animals more comprehensively in future research.
