Common Stomach Bacteria Linked To 1 In 5 Bowel Cancer Cases In Global Analysis

The useful part

Helicobacter pylori (H pylori), a common bacteria that can infect the stomach, has been linked to more than one in five bowel cancer cases worldwide, according to a new analysis. The bacteria has already been associated with stomach cancer in some individuals. Now, research suggests exposure might also be linked with up to a fifth of bowel cancer cases, too.

How it works

• Cancer Research UK said one in every 20 bowel cancer cancer cases in the UK occur in the under-50s.
• Meanwhile, those born in more recent decades may be more at risk of developing bowel cancer after exposure, the analysis suggested.
• It's not clear why – scientists and doctors have theorised it could be due to diet (ie.
• more reliance on processed foods), reduced activity levels or even environmental exposures.

Details worth keeping

Bowel cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death globally. In recent years, cases have been on the rise, including in younger people. H pylori are a group of bacteria which can be sp...