“Sustained investment in this type of research will be critical in the global effort to prevent and treat cancer before it’s too late.”
A groundbreaking study from the University of California San Diego has linked a common childhood E. coli infection to rising colon cancer rates in young adults.
Researchers found that strains of E. coli producing a toxin called colibactin may cause unique genetic mutations in the digestive tract, increasing cancer risk in people under 40. These mutations appear to originate in early life, according to senior author Professor Ludmil Alexandrov, who said, “They point to early-life exposure to colibactin as a driving force behind early-onset disease.” The bacteria, often found in undercooked beef, leafy greens, and unpasteurized dairy, may also spread through contaminated water or poor hygiene.
The study, published in Nature, analyzed tumors from 981 patients across 11 countries. Lead author Dr. Marcos Diaz-Gay noted, “One of the most interesting and striking findings was how frequently colibactin-related mutations appeared in the early-onset cases.” The team urges further research into prevention and early detection strategies.