Scientists target specific gut bacteria that cause bowel cancer

Dr Caitlin Wade's team at the University of Bristol in the UK analyzed data on 3,890 people in three genome-wide association studies, as well as data on 120,000 people in international colorectal cancer genetics and epidemiology studiesThe whole genome association study aims to find small variations in the participants' genomes and their correlation with specific conditionsUsing Mendel randomization techniques, the researchers investigated whether bacteria played a causal role in the development of bowel cancer, and found that an unclassified gut bacteria increased the risk of bowel cancer by 2 to 15 percentCaitlin Wade points out that this finding may help spur new treatments and diagnoses for bowel cancer, but more research is needed to further ascertain the link between gut bacteria and bowel cancerAt present, the causes of bowel cancer have not been cracked, some of the identified causes include overweight or obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, excessive intake of red meat and fried foodIn addition, over the age of 50, a family history of bowel cancer, large intestine polyps and inflammatory bowel disease will increase the risk of bowel cancer.