Bowel cancer: Young people at high risk, symptoms that easily go unnoticed

Scientists have discovered that a bacterial toxin, colibactin, may contribute to the rising rates of bowel cancer in young adults. Exposure to this toxin, produced by certain E. coli strains, during childhood could elevate the risk of developing the disease later in life. The toxin causes DNA mutations, making it more common in adults diagnosed with cancer before age 40.