Health and Me

Ishita Srivastava

Danish Study Links Hidden Bacteria In The Gut To Colorectal Cancer

Researchers from <span>Denmark</span> and Australia have discovered a new virus in the gut that can contribute to the development of <span>colorectal cancer</span> in the body, one of the leading causes of death in the world. 

Using genetic sequencing, researchers studied the gut bacteria of cancer patients in a large Danish study and found that <span>Bacteroides fragilis</span>, an anaerobic, gram-negative, pleomorphic to rod-shaped bacterium, often carried a bacteriophage — a virus that infects and reproduces inside bacteria.

This allows it to produce a toxin (BFT) in the colon, promoting chronic inflammation, cell proliferation and tumor growth in the region.

People with colorectal cancer were twice as likely to have this bacteriophage in their gut bacteria. The virus also appears to be previously unknown and does not match any recorded type so far.

Although the first finding came from a small group, it was later confirmed in a larger study of 877 people with and without colorectal cancer. The results suggest that viruses hiding inside B. fragilis may play a role in cancer development.

Microbiologist Flemming Damgaard, from <span>Odense University Hospital</span> in Denmark: "It has been a paradox that we repeatedly find the same bacterium in connection with colorectal cancer, while at the same time it is a completely normal part of the gut in healthy people. 

"We have discovered a virus that has not previously been described and which appears to be closely linked to the bacteria we find in patients with colorectal cancer."

<h2>What Is <span rel="noindex"><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/colon-cancer">Colon Cancer</a></span>?</h2>

Colon cancer develops from polyps in the colon or rectum, often taking years to show symptoms. The cancer begins when small growths called polyps form on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Over time, changes in the DNA of these cells can cause the polyps to become cancerous.

As abnormal cells multiply, they replace healthy cells and eventually form a mass known as a tumor. This process develops slowly, often taking up to ten years for a precancerous polyp to turn into cancer and begin showing symptoms.

The <span>American Cancer Society</span> notes that colorectal cancer impacts around 1.9 million people every year.. In India, it is the fourth most common cancer among both men and women. In 2022, there were 64,863 new cases and 38,367 deaths.

Projections suggest that incidence will continue to rise by 2026, reflecting both lifestyle changes and improved detection.

Colon cancer can be difficult to detect because it often develops without obvious symptoms. According to experts , these are the three things you should do to protect yourself:

<h2>What Early Symptoms Should You Look Out For?</h2>

Colon cancer rarely announces its presence with dramatic symptoms. More often, it whispers — through changes in bowel habits, subtle abdominal discomfort, or unexplained weight loss.

Some of the most commonly missed early signs include:

<ul><li>Persistent changes in bowel movements: Chronic constipation or diarrhea often dismissed as dietary effects.</li><li>Blood in stool: Bright red or dark blood should not be ignored.</li><li>Unexplained weight loss: Especially when unintentional.</li><li>Abdominal cramps or bloating: Misinterpreted as common digestive issues.</li></ul>

Persistent changes in bowel habits, especially if they last more than a few days, must be taken seriously. Narrow or ribbon-shaped stools may indicate a tumor partially blocking the colon.

Health Conditions A-Z

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colorectal cancer

odense university hospital

american cancer society

colon cancer

denmark

Bacteroides fragilis

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Researchers from Denmark and Australia have discovered a new virus in the gut that can contribute to the development of colorectal cancer in the body, one of the leading causes of death in the world. Using genetic sequencing, researchers studied the gut bacteria of cancer patients in a large Danish study and found that Bacteroides fragilis, an anaerobic, gram-negative, pleomorphic to rod-shaped bacterium, often carried a bacteriophage — a virus that infects and reproduces inside bacteria.This allows it to produce a toxin (BFT) in the colon, promoting chronic inflammation, cell proliferation and tumor growth in the region.People with colorectal cancer were twice as likely to have this bacteriophage in their gut bacteria. The virus also appears to be previously unknown and does not match any recorded type so far.Although the first finding came from a small group, it was later confirmed in a larger study of 877 people with and without colorectal cancer. The results suggest that viruses hiding inside B. fragilis may play a role in cancer development.Microbiologist Flemming Damgaard, from Odense University Hospital in Denmark: "It has been a paradox that we repeatedly find the same bacterium in connection with colorectal cancer, while at the same time it is a completely normal part of the gut in healthy people. "We have discovered a virus that has not previously been described and which appears to be closely linked to the bacteria we find in patients with colorectal cancer."What Is Colon Cancer?Colon cancer develops from polyps in the colon or rectum, often taking years to show symptoms. The cancer begins when small growths called polyps form on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Over time, changes in the DNA of these cells can cause the polyps to become cancerous.As abnormal cells multiply, they replace healthy cells and eventually form a mass known as a tumor. This process develops slowly, often taking up to ten years for a precancerous polyp to turn into cancer and begin showing symptoms.The American Cancer Society notes that colorectal cancer impacts around 1.9 million people every year.. In India, it is the fourth most common cancer among both men and women. In 2022, there were 64,863 new cases and 38,367 deaths.Projections suggest that incidence will continue to rise by 2026, reflecting both lifestyle changes and improved detection.Colon cancer can be difficult to detect because it often develops without obvious symptoms. According to experts , these are the three things you should do to protect yourself:1. Timely risk screening2. Knowing your cancer family history3. Acting on early symptomsWhat Early Symptoms Should You Look Out For?Colon cancer rarely announces its presence with dramatic symptoms. More often, it whispers — through changes in bowel habits, subtle abdominal discomfort, or unexplained weight loss.Some of the most commonly missed early signs include:Persistent changes in bowel movements: Chronic constipation or diarrhea often dismissed as dietary effects.Blood in stool: Bright red or dark blood should not be ignored.Unexplained weight loss: Especially when unintentional.Abdominal cramps or bloating: Misinterpreted as common digestive issues.Persistent changes in bowel habits, especially if they last more than a few days, must be taken seriously. Narrow or ribbon-shaped stools may indicate a tumor partially blocking the colon.