Stiffer colon may raise the risk of early-onset colorectal cancer

Chronic inflammation is likely to increase the stiffness of the colon, which may in turn increase the development and progression of early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC), according to a study.

- 

CRCs that are not caused by genetic syndromes and that occur at an average age of over 50 are known as average-onset or sporadic CRCs.

The incidence and deaths from average-onset CRC have decreased over the last three decades. At the same time, the incidence and deaths from CRCs that occur before age 50, known as early-onset CRCs, have risen dramatically during the same period.

The study led by researchers from the University of Texas-Dallas and Southwestern Medical Centre could lead to new ways to prevent and treat this deadly subset of CRC.