Media Coverage: GPs Warn Rising Bowel Cancer Rates in Under-65s Linked to Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

New research has revealed a concerning shift in bowel cancer trends, with almost half of all colorectal cancer cases now occurring in people under the age of 65. While rates have continued to fall among over-65s since the 1980s, incidence among younger adults — particularly under 50s — is rising.

Health experts suggest the change is unlikely to be driven by a single cause, but rather a combination of lifestyle, dietary and environmental factors affecting long-term gut health.

Dr Asiya Maula, GP at The Health Suite Leicester, says the increase likely reflects cumulative changes in modern living.

It likely reflects cumulative lifestyle and environmental changes. We are seeing higher levels of chronic inflammation in younger populations, often linked to ultra-processed diets, sedentary behaviour, stress, and disrupted sleep.”

She also highlights emerging concerns around gut health and environmental exposure.

No single exposure directly causes bowel cancer, but cumulative toxic load over time may influence gut health and inflammatory pathways,”

she adds.

Other factors under discussion include reduced gut microbiome diversity, rising exposure to microplastics, and air pollution — all of which may contribute to long-term inflammation in the body.

Alongside Dr Maula, GP colleagues emphasise that lifestyle patterns are playing a significant role in shifting risk profiles, including increasing obesity rates, low-fibre diets, alcohol consumption, and reduced physical activity.

Despite the rise in younger cases, experts stress that many risk factors are modifiable.

Dr Maula advises that small, consistent lifestyle changes can significantly reduce risk over time, including maintaining a balanced diet, increasing fibre intake, staying physically active, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, managing stress, and prioritising sleep.

She also encourages individuals to be alert to potential warning signs such as changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or persistent abdominal discomfort, and to seek medical advice promptly if symptoms occur.

Routine screening remains a key preventative tool for eligible age groups, with early detection significantly improving outcomes.

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