According to the American Cancer Society, the last decade and a half has seen a worrying increase in the number of people under 50 being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Their data shows that, from 2012 to 2021, colorectal cancer rates rose 2.4% per year for this demographic. Making matters even more alarming is a new investigation that shows that some of the people being diagnosed in this way are among those you'd least expect.
A growing number of research bodies are exploring the question of why colorectal cancer is picking up momentum among younger people - a trend that is, unfortunately, global in its scope. According to the experts cited in the article, there's no one consensus about what could be causing this uptick in cases - and everything from artificial light to microplastics to sleeping habits has come under greater scrutiny.
These experts also pointed to an increasing number of studies and resources that could help scientists better understand colon cancer. One of these is the Gut Cell Atlas, which is precisely what its name suggests: a comprehensive look at the makeup of the intestinal tract. In a 2023 paper published in Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, the authors observed that this resource would 'provide a unique and highly valuable reference map enhancing research in intestinal health and disease.'
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