Century-old tumours could reveal why more young people are getting bowel cancer

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 3 min read 100% complete January 7, 2026 at 07:00 AM

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Researchers at St Mark's Hospital in the UK are analyzing a unique archive of century-old bowel cancer samples to investigate the rising rates of the disease in young people. Bowel cancer rates have significantly increased in those under 50 since the early 1990s, with a 75% increase in the under-24s. The study aims to identify potential causes for this increase, considering factors like diet, environmental pollutants, and microbiome changes. The archived samples, preserved in wax, represent a comprehensive collection from bowel cancer patients treated at the hospital. Doctors hope the analysis will reveal how the disease has changed over time and lead to effective prevention strategies for younger generations. One young patient, Holly, diagnosed at 23, highlights the challenges and life-altering impact of early-onset bowel cancer.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

James Gallagher 50% BBC 50% Kevin Monahan ×260% UK ×370% St Mark's The National Bowel Hospital ×270% Holly ×580%

Keywords

bowel cancer 100% young people 80% cancer samples 70% rising rates 60% archived samples 50% st mark's hospital 50% gastroenterologist 40% cancer research 40%

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BBC News - World

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90%

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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bowel cancer young people cancer samples rising rates archived samples st mark's hospital gastroenterologist cancer research

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