Scientists have carried out a study that could have found a possible cause behind the rising cases of a certain cancer.
The conclusion was reached after reviewing over 3,000 studies on the potential cause, and it's something that lifestyle and genetics can't really explain.
Colon cancer cases among young people are rapidly on the rise, as a study's findings showed that it kills 17,000 people per year in the UK.
While it has been previously suggested by the American Cancer Society that it's all down to the Western diet, it turns out it could be something else entirely.
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What could be a major cause of colon cancer?
Californian researchers posted their findings and review in the ACS Publications Environmental Science & Technology this month, and found one potential cause of the deadly disease.
They found that tiny toxins from microplastics may have a suggested link to lung and colon cancer, in addition to other lung diseases and even infertility.
It adds to the baffling scientific discovery that lung cancers not caused by tobacco are currently rising, as the health world continues to learn more about cancer and its many causes.
What are microplastics?
Microplastics are small pieces of plastic (less than 5mm in diameter) that are released by consumer goods - think clothes, toys, packaging, food containers or even tyres.
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Not only do they contaminate the air, our food and our water, but they can now be found inside of our bodies, potentially causing inflammation.
If the immune system were to react to it, a number of medical issues may rise such as tissue damage and heart inflammation.
Scientists believe there could be a possible link between microplastics and colon cancer, among other health issues, though with plastic production expected to continue increasing, researchers from the University of California are calling it a 'big concern.'
How can microplastics cause health issues?
The review, which looked at 3,000 studies across animals and humans, found that exposure to microplastics can cause long-term problems in the respiratory, digestive and reproductive systems.
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The team explained: "We concluded that exposure to microplastics is 'suspected' to adversely impact the colon and small intestine in humans."
Basically, the studies showed there was a possible link between microplastics and negative changes in the digestive system, as the particles can disrupt the mucus layer which protects us.
What do the researchers think?
They continued: "Across the outcomes, we identified that exposure to microplastics is 'suspected' to be a digestive hazard to humans, including a suspected link to colon cancer, using the key characteristics of carcinogens approach."
Some studies found a link between microplastics and a low birth rate, though the review stated: "We concluded that exposure to microplastics is 'suspected' to adversely impact sperm quality and testicular health in humans."
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A link between poor lung function and microplastics present in the organ were also found, labelled as a 'hazard' to the respiratory system.
Researchers added that these small particles are 'widespread', and can be found virtually anywhere, including the Antarctic, Arctic and ocean trenches.
This means they can easily enter the human body and have even been found in breastmilk, the liver and human placenta.
Senior author Tracey J.Woodruff, professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at UCSF, stated: "These microplastics are basically particulate matter air pollution, and we know this type of air pollution is harmful."
Topics: Health, Cancer, Science, Lifestyle, Environment
Joshua Nair