New research has discovered a virus hidden within gut bacteria that is linked to approximately 40% of colon cancer cases, opening up avenues for early screening and prevention.
Although factors such as age and lifestyle increase the risk of colon cancer, the exact triggers behind the disease are still not fully understood.
A study recently published in the scientific journal Communication Medicine has uncovered a surprising clue responsible for 40% of colon cancer cases, according to Science Daily.
Dull abdominal pain, bloating, and a feeling of incomplete bowel movements are signs of colon cancer. Illustration: PH created by GM
Virus detected inside gut bacteria
Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark and Odense University Hospital used data from approximately 2 million Danes infected with the bacterium Bacteroides fragilis – a common bacterium found in most healthy individuals. However, this is the bacterium that studies have shown to be linked to colorectal cancer. Therefore, the research team decided to investigate why.
By comparing bacterial samples from cancer patients and healthy individuals, the research team uncovered a mystery: a virus lurking within these bacteria. In patients who later developed colon cancer, the Bacteroides fragilis bacteria carried a particular virus.
Analysis shows the new virus is linked to 40% of colon cancer cases
The study's author, Dr. Fleming Damgaard, from Odense University Hospital, said: "We have discovered a previously unseen virus that appears to be closely related to bacteria in patients with colon cancer."
To verify this, they went on to analyze stool samples from 877 individuals in Europe, the US, and Asia. The results were surprising: the intestines of colon cancer patients had twice the number of these viruses, according to Science Daily.
Dr. Damgaard explained: It's not the bacteria themselves that draw attention, but the bacteria in interaction with the virus they carry.
From there, they went on to explore whether it altered the gut environment in a way that increased the risk of cancer. And indeed, initial analyses showed the virus was linked to about 40% of colon cancer cases.
Researchers say that in the future, it may be possible to screen for these viruses to identify high-risk individuals and develop preventative measures. However, more research is needed before this can be applied in clinical practice.
Warning signs of colon cancer are easily overlooked
- Changes in bowel habits that persist (alternating diarrhea/constipation)
- Blood in the stool or unusually dark stool
- Dull abdominal pain, bloating, feeling like you haven't completely emptied your bowels.
- Unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue
- Anemia due to silent blood loss in the gastrointestinal tract.
According to the American Cancer Society, colon cancer can progress silently for a long time, but if detected early through screening, the chances of successful treatment are very high.