Young Adults Battle Rising Bowel Cancer Rates

Young Woman’s Fight and a Growing Crisis

A young woman, fit and active, is now navigating life with a stoma bag following a devastating cancer diagnosis, highlighting a concerning rise in bowel cancer among younger individuals. This surge has prompted researchers worldwide to urgently investigate the underlying causes of this unsettling trend.

Charlotte Lasica, despite her youthful appearance, battles stage 3 bowel cancer. The symptoms, which she initially dismissed, escalated to severe abdominal pain, ultimately leading to her diagnosis. After surgery and chemotherapy, Lasica now manages her condition with a temporary stoma bag.

“I’ve had it for about 10 months now and now it’s just my thing. I’m just like, you know, people wake up in the morning and they put their glasses on to see or they check their glucose, and I just go, this is my thing, and it’s not going to be forever, and it has essentially saved my life.”

—Charlotte Lasica

This increase in cases among young people is a global concern, with Australia seeing particularly high rates. A recent study published in the journal *Nature* indicates a potential link between childhood exposure to certain gut toxins and later bowel cancer development, adding another layer to this complex health crisis.

The Search for Answers

Doctors and researchers are actively working to understand what’s driving this rise. The international conference in Spain, attended by representatives from 22 countries, focused on identifying the factors contributing to the increase in early-onset bowel cancer. A key focus is whether existing screening methods are as effective for younger patients as they are for older populations.

Early-onset bowel cancer is defined as a diagnosis before age 50. Common indicators encompass blood in stool, unusual bowel movements, abdominal discomfort, and fatigue.

Possible Contributing Factors

Researchers are examining several potential causes for the increase in cases. These include diet, with a high consumption of processed foods being a key concern. Exposure to microplastics in the food chain and early-life disruptions to the gut microbiome, such as antibiotic use, are also being investigated.

Dr. Jakob Begun, a gastroenterologist, highlights that Australia’s high intake of processed foods correlates with higher cancer rates. He suggests that the Western lifestyle, with its reliance on convenience foods, may be a significant factor. The gut microbiome, especially in early life, is vulnerable to disruptions from various factors.

Christie Whitney, a registered nurse at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, is seeing an increase in young patients with bowel cancer. She herself experienced similar symptoms, leading to her own diagnosis at 48, which required surgery and a stoma bag. She emphasizes the shock among her colleagues.

Lasica’s plans include volunteering in Tanzania, with the hope of assisting others dealing with similar challenges, and her belief in the importance of providing support. The current five-year survival rate for those diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer is about 71% (American Cancer Society, 2024).

Final thoughts….