Find out the cause of colorectal cancer increase in young people

An artificial intelligence (AI) analysis of gut microbiome and metabolite datasets has shown that the cause of early-onset cancer comes from diet.

Published in the scientific journal NPJ Precision Oncology , a group of authors from the Cleveland Clinic health system (USA) pointed out that molecules derived from diet, called metabolites , play an important role in the initiation of colorectal cancer.

These substances are related to a popular food group, consumed by young people through industrial diets: Red meat and especially processed red meat.

A diet high in red meat and processed meat increases the risk of colorectal cancer - (Illustration photo AI: Thu Anh).

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in the world, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Previously, this type of cancer mainly occurred in the elderly. However, some recent reports show that the age of this type of cancer seems to be getting younger.

To find the cause, the US team of authors developed an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm to combine and analyze existing research data sets, helping to clarify which factors are most strongly associated with the early onset of this dangerous form of cancer.

They also focus on the health of the gut microbiome , which plays an important role in keeping the digestive system healthy.

According to SciTech Daily, they found that younger colon cancer patients had higher levels of a metabolite involved in the production and metabolism of an amino acid called arginine and the urea cycle than older people.

These differences may be related to long-term consumption of red and processed meat.

More importantly , the elevation of the above metabolites may harm the gut microbiota and promote colorectal cancer.

Thus, the results add to the growing body of evidence that diet plays a major role in the younger age at which certain cancers develop.

Red meat (including pork, beef, lamb.) has a certain value in the diet, but studies have long shown that eating it too often can lead to many health risks.

Therefore, scientists recommend reducing consumption of red meat and processed meat as a necessary and effective measure to prevent colorectal cancer in young and middle-aged people.