Microplastics Linked to Rising Colorectal Cancer Rates

Study Finds Plastic Particles Accumulate in Tumor Tissue

A groundbreaking new study reveals a potential link between microplastic exposure and the development of colorectal cancer, adding to growing concerns about the pervasive presence of these particles in the human body and their impact on health.

Evidence of Plastic Accumulation

Researchers led by Wen Pan at China’s National Clinical Research Center for Cancer discovered microplastics within both cancerous and surrounding tissues of colorectal cancer patients. This finding builds on previous research demonstrating microplastic accumulation in vital organs like the lungs and liver.

The study, published in Scientific Reports, suggests that microplastics may contribute to the tumor environment, potentially triggering inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune system dysfunction—all factors known to promote cancer progression. The presence of these particles in both peritumoral and tumor tissues “raises questions regarding the role of environmental pollutants in cancer development.”

Growing Concerns About Microplastic Exposure

Recent attention to the widespread occurrence of microplastics in the environment has fueled anxieties about their potential health consequences, particularly concerning cancer development. Microplastics, defined as plastic particles less than five millimeters in diameter, can induce cytotoxicity and chronic inflammation, potentially fostering cancer through various mechanisms.

Colorectal cancer is currently the third most frequently diagnosed cancer globally. Alarmingly, incidence rates are increasing among younger adults; in 2024, the American Cancer Society estimated approximately 153,020 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed in the United States (American Cancer Society, 2024).

How Microplastics Interact with Cells

Using advanced scanning electron microscopy and laser direct infrared imaging, Pan’s team identified a variety of microplastic types, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene (PE), in the tissue samples. Tumor tissues exhibited a greater diversity and concentration of microplastics compared to adjacent healthy tissues. The researchers also observed elevated levels of clathrin, a protein crucial for endocytosis, suggesting increased uptake of microplastics by cancer cells.

The study revealed that most microplastics were smaller than 100 μm, enabling them to penetrate cells and potentially disrupt their function or induce genetic damage. Rough-surfaced microplastics may further exacerbate the problem by increasing cell interactions and triggering chronic inflammation, ultimately promoting tumor growth.

“This suggests that MPs may contribute to or be retained in the tumor environment, potentially triggering inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune dysregulation, all of which are linked to cancer progression.”

—Wen Pan, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer

The authors emphasize the urgent need for heightened awareness and stricter regulations to mitigate microplastic pollution and its associated health risks. Further research is crucial to fully understand the complex relationship between microplastic exposure and cancer development.