Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 30: Even as overall cancer deaths among people under 50 have fallen globally, colorectal cancer has emerged as a worrying exception, increasingly affecting younger adults and becoming a leading cause of mortality in this age group, according to recent findings.

In India too, colorectal cancer incidence is rising steadily, with 64,863 cases reported in 2022 and 38,367 deaths. Several regions, including the north-east and major urban centres such as Delhi, Bengaluru and Thiruvananthapuram, have been identified as hotspots.

Health experts point to a combination of lifestyle-linked co-morbidities such as obesity, diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as possible drivers behind this shift. Studies suggest that the risk of developing colorectal cancer increases significantly in people living with IBD, which is also reportedly rising in India.

The spotlight is now increasingly turning towards the gut microbiome — the complex ecosystem of microbes living in the human digestive tract — which researchers believe plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, inflammation, immunity and even stress response.

Scientific studies on animal models have shown that disruption in gut microbial balance can influence stress hormones, immune responses and brain function through pathways such as the vagus nerve. Researchers have also found that beneficial bacteria supported by fibre-rich diets help produce short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, which strengthen the gut lining, reduce inflammation and support metabolic health.

Experts note that low fibre intake, high sugar diets and chronic stress may disturb the gut environment, promoting harmful bacteria and inflammation — factors that could contribute to a rise in chronic diseases, including colorectal cancer.

With growing evidence linking gut health to both physical and mental well-being, researchers say dietary interventions, early screening and improved awareness could play a key role in tackling the emerging colorectal cancer burden among younger populations.