Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers and diagnoses are increasing among young adults. It develops in the final part of the digestive system. Doctors are still unclear why this form of cancer arises. Surely there is a genetic component, but that explains its onset only minimally.
The problem with this cancer is that it is discovered once it has already appeared. Currently, to detect colon cancer, tests are done to detect the presence of blood in the stool. But this makes it possible to detect the tumor when it is unfortunately already in an advanced stage.
The link with the microorganisms present in the gastrointestinal tract
However, recent research is shedding new light and may help pinpoint the warning symptoms of colon cancer. According to a study by the Cibio Department of the University of Trento and also carried out in collaboration with Humanitas, a particular stool test could be predictive. The study is based on the analysis of the intestinal microbiome. But what exactly is the microbiome? The intestinal microbiome is the total of the genes of the microorganisms present in the intestinal flora. A human has between 500 and 1,000 species of microorganisms.
In recent years the attention of doctors has focused on the microorganisms present in the gastrointestinal tract. There is the largest microbial population in the intestine. According to research from the University of Trento, the first signs of colon cancer can be identified from the variation in the bacterial composition of the intestinal microbiome.
These are the warning signs of colon cancer and are identified with this analysis
The discovery in itself can be a breakthrough not only for therapy but for the prevention of this cancer. In fact, currently with the analysis of occult blood in the faeces, the presence of the tumor is discovered but already at an advanced stage. In short, the presence of blood in the stool tells us that there is a tumor in place but it does not help us in prevention. Instead, according to this research, the analysis of the gut microbiome mutation allows us to identify the warning signs of colon cancer.
The research was based on an analysis of about a thousand fecal samples from people with this disease. In the feces of these people, about ten strains of bacteria in common have been identified, which signal the onset of the tumor. With an analysis of the microbiome it is possible to identify the risks of tumor onset if these strains of bacteria are present. These are the warning signs of colon cancer and are identified thanks to this analysis of the intestinal flora.
Doctors agree that eating habits and lifestyle are among the causes of colon cancer. Proper diet can help prevent this terrible form of cancer. It is no secret that these food substances increase the risk of colon cancer exponentially.
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