Aggressive colon cancer: Newly identified bacteria found in half of tumors may drive growth
A newly identified subspecies of bacteria may drive aggressive colon cancer growth. Does the bacteria play a role in the surge in cases in younger adults?
A type of bacteria that causes dental plaque may be behind a treatment-resistant form of colorectal cancer, a study published Wednesday in the journal Nature found.
Sasirin Pamai / Getty ImagesThe particular bacterium, which appears to shield tumor cells from cancer-fighting drugs, was found in 50% of the tumors tested in the study. The discovery, experts say, could pave the way for new treatments and possibly new methods of screening.
Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and is expected to kill more than 53,000 people in the nation in 2024, according to the American Cancer Society.
Rates are rising sharply among younger people: The percentage of people younger than 55 diagnosed with colon cancer almost doubled between 1995 and 2019, leaping from 11% to 20% of cases. What’s more, these cases are often diagnosed at later, more aggressive stages.
Experts are still struggling to explain the shift.
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