Modern Diet and Gut Health Spotlight in Surge of Young Colon Cancer

New research suggests early-onset colorectal cancer is biologically distinct from older cases and may be driven by the modern diet—ultra-processed foods that fuel gut inflammation and reduce microbial diversity—along with emerging gene fingerprints in younger patients; while treatments remain similar for now, experts urge avoiding unnecessary antibiotics and increasing fiber-rich foods and omega-3s while researchers develop targeted tests for risk.