Gut health linked more closely to colon cancer risk than previously thought, study finds

Recent research indicates a more profound connection between gut health and colon cancer, suggesting that changes in the gut microbiome may persist long after precancerous polyps are removed. A study published in Cell Host & Microbe analyzed women who had undergone polyp removal years earlier.

The findings revealed that these women still exhibited differences in their gut microbiome compared to those who had never had a polyp. Notably, these altered microbiomes partially resembled patterns found in individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The study, based on data from the Nurses' Health Study II, involved 708 women and analyzed stool samples collected approximately 12 years post-polyp removal.

Researchers identified 31 specific microorganisms that showed consistent changes in both women with a history of removed polyps and in databases of colorectal cancer patients. Some of these microbes were more abundant, while others were significantly reduced. Analysis of metabolites, the chemical byproducts of microbial and human activity, mirrored these findings. The study underscores the importance of diet and lifestyle factors, such as a fiber-rich diet low in red meat and sugar, regular physical activity, and consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables, in maintaining gut health and reducing inflammation, which are critical in preventing colorectal cancer.