Common bacteria linked to colon cancer

Posted on 2009-09-03 10:51:56 in Cancer | GI-Digestive | Longevity and Age Management |

A study from The John Hopkins University School of Medicine links a diarrhea-causing bacteria to a type of colon cancer. In a study conducted on mice, the bacteria Bacteroides fragilis was identified as possibly setting the stage for malignancy in the colon.

The bacteria may trick immune cells into allowing colon tissue to be continuously inflamed, setting the stage for cancer. Leader of the study, Dr. Cynthia Sears, states "This could be the H. pylori of colon cancer." H. pylori is a bacteria proven to cause stomach ulcers and perhaps the majority of stomach cancers.

Bacteria widely known to cause diarrhea have been linked to 40 percent of colon cancers in a Turkish study. Some peple experience no symptoms and others develop diarrhea and colon inflammation.

News source: http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2009/08/31/Diarrheal-bacterial-linked-to-colon-cancer/UPI-54021251694056/

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