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For many years, bowel cancer has primarily been linked to older individuals. However, recently, there has been a concerning increase in bowel cancer cases among those younger than 50 years old. In a conversation, Dr Richu Sharma, a consultant medical oncologist with the Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals, stated, "Changes in eating habits, less exercise, and a lack of knowledge about early warning signs could be reasons for this change. Consequently, many younger individuals are found to have the disease at later stages, making treatment more difficult."

Reasons for bowel cancer in younger individuals:

Diet changes and processed foods: Eating a lot of fast food, sugary beverages, and heavily processed items while having a low fiber diet can negatively affect gut health and lead to inflammation.

Obesity and lack of activity: The rising numbers of overweight people and inactive lifestyles cause ongoing inflammation that is associated with the development of cancer.

Changes in gut bacteria: An uneven mix of gut bacteria, often caused by diet, use of antibiotics, or outside influences, might be a factor. Certain bacteria that generate harmful toxins tend to be found more in younger individuals.

Environmental factors: Substances like chemicals, microplastics, and pollution can disrupt hormones and influence how the body processes food, possibly increasing the risk of cancer.

Genetic factors: Family backgrounds and inherited issues such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) can greatly elevate the chances of developing colorectal cancer at a young age, notably if screening is postponed.