Latest news with #WageningenUniversity&Research
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Being overweight as a child and young adult linked to bowel cancer
Being overweight as a child, teenager and young adult has been linked to a higher risk of bowel cancer in adulthood, researchers suggest. A higher birth weight was also associated with an increased chance of developing the disease, according to a study. Experts in the Netherlands reviewed 37 studies on body weight in early life and the risk of colorectal cancer - also known as bowel cancer - in adults. Cancer is a complex disease which develops over several decades, so better understanding of its early origins is critical for more effective prevention efforts and understanding the research gaps. The research, which is published in the International Journal of Cancer, found an increase in BMI of 5kg/m² heightened the risk of bowel cancer by 12% in people aged 18 to 25. In youngsters aged 10 to 19, an increased BMI was linked to a 5-18% risk of developing the disease, while in children aged two to nine, BMI was linked to a higher risk of colon cancer. Meanwhile, each 1kg increase in birth weight was linked to a 9% bowel cancer risk, the study found. Dr. Dieuwertje Kok, associate professor of nutrition and cancer at Wageningen University & Research, said: "Although the relationship between adult body size and colorectal cancer risk is well-documented, the potential influence of measures of body size during early life is less understood. "The team was excited to review results from 37 publications that explored birth weight, as well as body mass index across different early life stages. "This study bridges the existing knowledge gap and enhances our understanding of how early life factors may affect colorectal cancer risk in adults." Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, according to the WHO, with most cases occurring in people aged 50 and above. The analysis is part of World Cancer Research Fund International's Global Cancer Update Programme. Dr. Helen Croker, assistant director of research and policy at the World Cancer Research Fund, added: "Cancer is a complex disease which develops over several decades, so better understanding of its early origins is critical for more effective prevention efforts and understanding the research gaps. "The results of this study show that raised body mass index across childhood through young adulthood is an important risk factor for colorectal cancer."
New York Post
6 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
Alarming study finds that this small difference at birth significantly increases your colorectal cancer risk
Your past might come back to bite you in the butt — literally. A new study suggests that a key factor in early life could increase your risk of developing colorectal cancer as an adult. The findings add to a growing body of research trying to pinpoint what's fueling the alarming rise in in colorectal cancer among Americans under 50 over the last three decades. Advertisement 4 Colorectal cancer refers to cancers of the colon and rectum. Nadzeya – 'Although the relationship between adult body size and colorectal cancer risk is well-documented, the potential influence of measures of body size during early life is less understood,' said Dr. Dieuwertje Kok, associate professor of nutrition and cancer at Wageningen University & Research. To get to the bottom of it, Kok and her colleagues analyzed 37 studies tracking how weight, height, and body size in childhood and young adulthood could impact your risk of colorectal cancer later in life. They found that for young adults aged 18 to 25, every five-point increase in body mass index (BMI) above the healthy range raised colon cancer risk by 12%. Advertisement For teens between 10 and 19, that risk climbs between 5% and 18%. Even toddlers aren't safe — a high BMI in kids as young as two was also linked to greater risk. And here's the kicker: Every extra kilo (2.2 pounds) at birth over 'normal' birth weight — that's 2.5 to 4 kilograms, or 5.51 to 8.82 pounds — was tied to a 9% greater chance of developing colorectal cancer down the road. Advertisement 'Cancer is a complex disease which develops over several decades, so better understanding of its early origins is critical for more effective prevention efforts and understanding the research gaps,' said Dr. Helen Croker, assistant director of research and policy at World Cancer Research Fund International. 4 Childhood obesity could increase your risk of colorectal cancer as an adult. íËíâ¬í¸í½í° í©íÆí°í¸í½í° – 'The results of this study show that raised body mass index across childhood through young adulthood is an important risk factor for colorectal cancer,' she added. Advertisement Colorectal cancer has long been associated with older adults, especially people over 65. But rates among those under 50 have been creeping up since the '90s. In fact, if you were born between 1981-1996, you face twice the risk of colorectal cancer as compared to people born in 1950, according to the University of California Davis Health. Scientists suspect that ultra-processed foods and certain diets are major drivers behind the rise in colorectal cancer in young Americans. One study linked the 'Western diet' — which is high in fat and low in fiber — to an imbalance of gut bacteria, triggering inflammation that ages cells faster and makes them more cancer-prone. Another found that low calcium intake is tied to one in five colorectal cancer deaths in people 35 and younger. 4 The Western diet is high in calories, sugar, saturated fats and salt. beats_ – Ultra-processed junk like ice cream, chips, and soda have also been shown to boost the risk and weaken the body's ability to fight the disease. Advertisement Our couch potato habits aren't helping. A 2019 study found young adults who watch more than two hours of TV a day have a 70% higher risk of developing colon cancer than those who watch less. Chronic conditions play a role, too. Research suggests people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) — mainly caused by obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol — are nearly 24% more likely to get colon cancer. Inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis have also been shown to increase the risk. 4 More young people are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer than ever before. New Africa – Advertisement But here's the scary part: Colorectal cancer is showing up in young, healthy, active people with no obvious risk factors. For them, the culprit might be genetics or hidden environmental triggers. One study found that a toxin from certain E. coli bacteria called colibactin leaves a unique DNA mark on colon cells in kids exposed to it. These mutations were 3.3 times more common in early-onset cases than in older patients. In another study, researchers found a fungus called cladosporium — which usually causes skin and nail infections — in the tumors of young colorectal cancer of patients. Scientists aren't sure how it triggers the disease, but it might damage DNA. Advertisement A gene called HMGA1 may also hold the answer. Research suggests it acts like a 'key' that turns on DNA regions controlling colon stem cells. When overactivated — due to stress, mutations or poor diet — it can lead to tumor growth and help cancer hide from the immune system. As scientists race to uncover the causes behind early-onset colorectal cancer, young Americans keep getting diagnosed at alarming rates. Worse still, young adults tend to be diagnosed later — when the disease is more advanced and the tumors more aggressive. Advertisement That's helped make colorectal cancer the leading cause of cancer death in US men under 50, and the second deadliest for women in the same age group. In response, the US Preventive Services Task Force lowered the recommended screening age from 50 to 45 in 2021 for average-risk adults. In 2025, the American Cancer Society estimates about 154,270 US adults will be diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer — and roughly 52,900 will die from it.
Powys County Times
7 days ago
- Health
- Powys County Times
Being overweight as a child and young adult linked to bowel cancer risk
Being overweight as a child, teenager and young adult has been linked to a higher risk of bowel cancer in adulthood, researchers suggest. A higher birth weight was also associated with an increased chance of developing the disease, according to a study. Experts in the Netherlands reviewed 37 studies on body weight in early life and the risk of colorectal cancer – also known as bowel cancer – in adults. Cancer is a complex disease which develops over several decades, so better understanding of its early origins is critical for more effective prevention efforts and understanding the research gaps The research, which is published in the International Journal of Cancer, found an increase in BMI of 5kg/m2 heightened the risk of bowel cancer by 12% in people aged 18 to 25. In youngsters aged 10 to 19, an increased BMI was linked to a 5-18% risk of developing the disease, while in children aged two to nine, BMI was linked to a higher risk of colon cancer. Meanwhile, each 1kg increase in birth weight was linked to a 9% bowel cancer risk, the study found. Dr Dieuwertje Kok, associate professor of nutrition and cancer at Wageningen University & Research, said: 'Although the relationship between adult body size and colorectal cancer risk is well-documented, the potential influence of measures of body size during early life is less understood. 'The team was excited to review results from 37 publications that explored birth weight, as well as body mass index across different early life stages. 'This study bridges the existing knowledge gap and enhances our understanding of how early life factors may affect colorectal cancer risk in adults.' Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, with almost 44,000 new diagnoses every year. The analysis is part of World Cancer Research Fund International's Global Cancer Update Programme. Dr Helen Croker, assistant director of research and policy at the World Cancer Research Fund, added: 'Cancer is a complex disease which develops over several decades, so better understanding of its early origins is critical for more effective prevention efforts and understanding the research gaps. 'The results of this study show that raised body mass index across childhood through young adulthood is an important risk factor for colorectal cancer.'
North Wales Chronicle
7 days ago
- Health
- North Wales Chronicle
Being overweight as a child and young adult linked to bowel cancer risk
A higher birth weight was also associated with an increased chance of developing the disease, according to a study. Experts in the Netherlands reviewed 37 studies on body weight in early life and the risk of colorectal cancer – also known as bowel cancer – in adults. Cancer is a complex disease which develops over several decades, so better understanding of its early origins is critical for more effective prevention efforts and understanding the research gaps The research, which is published in the International Journal of Cancer, found an increase in BMI of 5kg/m2 heightened the risk of bowel cancer by 12% in people aged 18 to 25. In youngsters aged 10 to 19, an increased BMI was linked to a 5-18% risk of developing the disease, while in children aged two to nine, BMI was linked to a higher risk of colon cancer. Meanwhile, each 1kg increase in birth weight was linked to a 9% bowel cancer risk, the study found. Dr Dieuwertje Kok, associate professor of nutrition and cancer at Wageningen University & Research, said: 'Although the relationship between adult body size and colorectal cancer risk is well-documented, the potential influence of measures of body size during early life is less understood. 'The team was excited to review results from 37 publications that explored birth weight, as well as body mass index across different early life stages. 'This study bridges the existing knowledge gap and enhances our understanding of how early life factors may affect colorectal cancer risk in adults.' Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, with almost 44,000 new diagnoses every year. The analysis is part of World Cancer Research Fund International's Global Cancer Update Programme. Dr Helen Croker, assistant director of research and policy at the World Cancer Research Fund, added: 'Cancer is a complex disease which develops over several decades, so better understanding of its early origins is critical for more effective prevention efforts and understanding the research gaps. 'The results of this study show that raised body mass index across childhood through young adulthood is an important risk factor for colorectal cancer.'
Glasgow Times
7 days ago
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Being overweight as a child and young adult linked to bowel cancer risk
A higher birth weight was also associated with an increased chance of developing the disease, according to a study. Experts in the Netherlands reviewed 37 studies on body weight in early life and the risk of colorectal cancer – also known as bowel cancer – in adults. Cancer is a complex disease which develops over several decades, so better understanding of its early origins is critical for more effective prevention efforts and understanding the research gaps The research, which is published in the International Journal of Cancer, found an increase in BMI of 5kg/m2 heightened the risk of bowel cancer by 12% in people aged 18 to 25. In youngsters aged 10 to 19, an increased BMI was linked to a 5-18% risk of developing the disease, while in children aged two to nine, BMI was linked to a higher risk of colon cancer. Meanwhile, each 1kg increase in birth weight was linked to a 9% bowel cancer risk, the study found. Dr Dieuwertje Kok, associate professor of nutrition and cancer at Wageningen University & Research, said: 'Although the relationship between adult body size and colorectal cancer risk is well-documented, the potential influence of measures of body size during early life is less understood. 'The team was excited to review results from 37 publications that explored birth weight, as well as body mass index across different early life stages. 'This study bridges the existing knowledge gap and enhances our understanding of how early life factors may affect colorectal cancer risk in adults.' Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, with almost 44,000 new diagnoses every year. The analysis is part of World Cancer Research Fund International's Global Cancer Update Programme. Dr Helen Croker, assistant director of research and policy at the World Cancer Research Fund, added: 'Cancer is a complex disease which develops over several decades, so better understanding of its early origins is critical for more effective prevention efforts and understanding the research gaps. 'The results of this study show that raised body mass index across childhood through young adulthood is an important risk factor for colorectal cancer.'
