By Dr. Saadvik Raghuram — Medical Oncologist in Hyderabad

Colorectal cancer was once considered a disease affecting mainly adults over the age of 50. However, doctors worldwide are witnessing a concerning trend—more young adults are being diagnosed with colon and rectal cancers than ever before.

A recent study presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) highlighted a possible environmental factor contributing to this rise: pesticide exposure, particularly a herbicide known as picloram.

As a Medical Oncologist in Hyderabad treating gastrointestinal cancers, I believe this research is important—not because it should create fear, but because it encourages conversations around prevention, lifestyle, environmental health, and early cancer awareness.

What Did the New Study Reveal About Pesticides and Colon Cancer?

Researchers from the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology studied the “exposome”—the total environmental exposures a person encounters throughout life.

This includes:

• Diet habits
• Smoking
• Air pollution
• Chemical exposure
• Pesticides
• Lifestyle patterns

Using advanced epigenetic analysis, researchers identified DNA methylation fingerprints associated with Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer (EOCRC)—defined as colorectal cancer diagnosed before age 50.

The study found:

✔ Smoking and unhealthy diet remained major risk factors
✔ Exposure signatures linked to picloram herbicide showed associations with EOCRC
✔ Areas with higher herbicide exposure had increased rates of colorectal cancer in younger adults

Importantly, researchers clarified:

• The study shows an association—not direct proof of causation.
• More clinical research is still required.

Why Is Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Increasing in Young Adults?

Globally, colorectal cancer rates among adults under 50 are steadily increasing.

Many patients diagnosed with colon cancer have no family history, prompting experts to investigate lifestyle and environmental contributors.

Potential causes include:

Lifestyle Factors

• Processed food intake
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption

Biological & Environmental Factors

• Gut microbiome changes
• Chronic inflammation
• Environmental toxins
• Pesticide exposure

Modern cancer research increasingly suggests long-term environmental exposure may influence cancer development over time.

What Is Picloram?

Picloram is a herbicide widely used in agriculture for weed control.

Research observed that tumors linked with higher picloram exposure showed distinct molecular characteristics, including fewer APC gene mutations.

However, this does NOT mean:

• Everyone exposed to pesticides develops cancer
• Picloram directly causes cancer
• Exposure alone determines cancer risk

Cancer development remains multifactorial.

Colon Cancer Symptoms Young Adults Should Never Ignore

One major reason for delayed diagnosis is symptom misinterpretation.

Many young individuals assume symptoms are due to piles, acidity, stress, or IBS.

Seek medical evaluation if you experience:

• Blood in stool
• Persistent constipation
• Diarrhea lasting over 2–3 weeks
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Unexplained anemia
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Changes in bowel habits

Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Colorectal Cancer

1. Eat a High-Fiber Diet

Increase:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Whole grains
• Legumes

Reduce:

• Processed meats
• Red meat
• Ultra-processed foods

2. Maintain Healthy Weight

Obesity significantly increases colorectal cancer risk.

3. Exercise Regularly

Aim for at least:

150 minutes of moderate activity weekly.

4. Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol

Smoking remains one of the most preventable causes of cancer.

5. Reduce Environmental Exposure

While evidence is still evolving:

• Wash produce thoroughly
• Avoid unnecessary chemical exposure
• Follow safe agricultural practices

Should Young Adults Undergo Colon Cancer Screening?

Screening guidelines continue to evolve because of increasing early-onset cases.

Consider discussing screening if you have:

• Family history of colorectal cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Genetic syndromes
• Persistent digestive symptoms
• Unexplained anemia
• Significant lifestyle risk factors

Colonoscopy can often detect precancerous polyps before cancer develops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can pesticides cause colon cancer?

Current research suggests pesticide exposure may be associated with increased colorectal cancer risk. However, more studies are needed before confirming direct causation.

Can young adults get colon cancer?

Yes. Early-onset colorectal cancer is increasing globally among adults below 50 years.

What are early warning signs of colon cancer?

Blood in stool, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, and persistent digestive symptoms.

Is colon cancer preventable?

Healthy lifestyle choices including regular exercise, high-fiber diet, avoiding smoking, and timely screening may reduce risk.

Consult Dr. Saadvik Raghuram – Medical Oncologist in Hyderabad

If you are experiencing persistent digestive symptoms, unexplained weight loss, or need expert cancer screening guidance, consult Dr. Saadvik Raghuram for comprehensive cancer care.

Services include:

✔ Cancer screening guidance
✔ Chemotherapy
✔ Immunotherapy
✔ Personalized treatment planning
✔ Gastrointestinal cancer care

Location: CARE Hospitals Outpatient Centre, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad