Microplastics, Asbestos, and Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer has been on the rise in young adults for years and is now the leading cause of cancer death in this age group. Nearly half of all new colorectal cancer cases now occur in adults under 65, signaling a major shift in the demographics of the disease. This was always known as “grandpa’s disease.” Among people 65 and older, colorectal cancer rates have been steadily declining since the mid-1980s, thanks in large part to early screening that can catch precancerous polyps and early-stage cancers. Studies in recent years have shown that colorectal cancers are on the rise in adults under 50. Rates have also increased in 50- to 64-year-olds between 2013 and 2022.
It is not known why there is a rise in colorectal cancer cases, but there are suspicions. Colorectal cancer is intimately intertwined with diet, and our diet in the United States is changing dramatically. We are eating a lot more processed food. Another change seen is in people currently in their 40s, who have received far more antibiotics than any other generation. The overuse of antibiotics changes the bacterial flora of the gut and kills the good bacteria in the colon. There is also an obesity epidemic in the U.S. In 1970, 15 percent of Americans were obese compared to 40 percent today.
Colorectal cancer could be on the rise in younger adults due to microplastic exposure. Microplastics could potentially compromise the colonic mucus layer, a key defense in luminal pathogens and toxins. A thinner mucus layer has been associated with increased inflammation, which is implicated in colorectal cancer pathogenesis. Once microplastics penetrate the inner mucus layer they may serve as substrates for bacterial biofilm formation. Microplastics might also create bacterial colonies that can create toxins within the gut. Microplastics also contain carcinogenic and endocrine-disrupting chemicals through the manufacturing process.
Asbestos is another cause of colorectal cancer. Older generations could have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer due to their exposure to asbestos. Inhaled fibers can travel through the blood stream or lymphatic system to the gastrointestinal tract. They can also be coughed up and swallowed or even straight up ingested. The higher the amount of exposure to asbestos, the more likely someone will get an asbestos related cancer like colorectal cancer. Older generations who worked with asbestos for a long time might not even know their cancer is related to asbestos exposure because asbestos related cancers have a long latency period. If you were exposed to asbestos, speak with a doctor about regular screenings so you can find your cancer earlier, improving your chances of living longer.
If you were exposed to asbestos and later diagnosed with colorectal cancer, mesothelioma, or lung cancer, contact us today to see if you could be entitled to compensation. Call us at 412-471-3980 or fill out our contact form and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
