There is no doubt now the importance of the microbiome in our health, especially that of the intestines where a majority of them live. However, when the symbiosis between the host and microbiome bacteria is interrupted, there can be broad downstream consequences.
One such way to disrupt the natural, healthy microbiome is through the use of antibiotics. Not only does antibiotics kill off malignant bacteria, but also kills of much of the healthy bacteria that help keeps the integrity of the host’s health.
Researchers from the University of Aberdeen and Queen’s University Belfast found that the use of antibiotics increases the risk of developing future colon cancer, especially amongst younger people. The study was published in British Journal of Cancer.
The study looked at about 40,000 people and compared antibiotic utilization and lifestyle factors for this who had colon cancer and those who didn’t. While the overall incidence is low, antibiotic use increased the risk developing colon cancer by 50% in people under 50, and about 10% in people over 50 years old.
“Antibiotic use is very common, and it is important to note that not everyone who uses antibiotics will get bowel cancer,” stated co-lead author Sarah Perrott.
“However, while invaluable in medicine, antibiotics should be used appropriately and only when necessary,” Perrott continued.
Antibiotics is just one factor that increases the risk of developing bowel cancer. In addition, there are many more lifestyle factors that can also increase the risk of colon cancer as well.
While there is no need to demonize antibiotics nor completely take it off the table a treatment, the chances of a person needing antibiotics is low and should only be used unless absolutely necessary, at the discretionary of a healthcare professional. Many people out there need to learn to put up with some discomfort of small infections for a few days to weeks, instead of jumping on demanding antibiotics from from their healthcare providers.
R McDowell et al. Oral antibiotic use and early-onset colorectal cancer: findings from a case-control study using a national clinical database. British Cancer Journal. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41416-021-01665-7
