Doctors have issued a warning to young people about three new factors that seem to be connected to a certain type of cancer that has seen cases skyrocket.
New research has pinpointed these factors which could be to blame for the global colon cancer epidemic among young people, as diagnoses continue to rise.
Colorectal cancers are increasing in young Americans, with diagnoses expected to rise by 90 percent by 2030 in those in their 20s and 30s.
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While bad diets and being overweight have been blamed, this doesn't explain the surge in cases among those who are seemingly fit and healthy.
Now, a new review of over 160 studies has suggested that pesticides in food, toxins in drinking water and air pollution could potentially be the cause.
Yes, chemicals in food, air and water could potentially be to blame for the surge in cases - especially in America.
Research showed that this 'complex interplay' of factors changes bacteria in the gut, which consequently leads to chronic inflammation. This then leads to healthy cells being killed off and cancerous cells to grow.
It was also suggested that this increase in early-onset colorectal cancer, known as EOCRC, has long been i the making due to an increased exposure to pollutants, which can be traced back to 1950.
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In the journal Heliyon, researchers wrote: "Consequently, there is a pressing need for enhanced environmental policies aimed at minimizing exposure to pollutants, safeguarding public health, and mitigating the burden of EOCRC."
The team, from Sultan Qaboos University in Oman, also said that gastrointestinal health is dependent on gut microbiome - a network of bacteria which regulates the digestive and immune systems.
A lifetime of exposure to things such as foods, antibiotics and chemicals can alter this system, leaving it in an 'unstable state' with dangerous bacteria overpowering healthy bacteria.
Researchers also noted the consumption of water that has been contaminated with heavy metals like lead and arsenic - the EPA has estimated that 9 million lead pipes are still in use across the US.
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In a bid to gain an insight into the rising cases, the researchers also looked as environmental exposures in people born after 1950.
They highlighted a group of microscopic particles which are so small the nose and lungs cannot filter them out, known as PM2.5 or fine particulate matter.
These particles are emitted directly into the air from fossil fuels burned from factories, as well as gasoline-powered stoves and cars, and can easily travel to the bloodstream, leading to inflammation.
Researchers claimed PM2.5 triggers inflammation in the colon, which has been shown to cause the development of cancer cells and impact the immune system's ability to fight them off.
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If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.
Danni King