Colon cancer rates are rising sharply among young Americans, and experts are still trying to understand why. A major breakthrough now offers a possible clue. Doctors have discovered that “a unique type of bacteria may be playing a key role” in early-onset colorectal cancer.

In this study, researchers at Johns Hopkins found that a strain of *Escherichia coli* (E. coli) that produces a toxin called colibactin was more common in younger patients with colon cancer. “This toxin damages DNA and may trigger cancer,” the scientists explained.

Dr. Cynthia Sears, who led the research, said, “This is the first strong evidence showing a direct link between a bacterial toxin and early-onset colorectal cancer.” The findings suggest that these bacteria could be influencing tumor growth long before symptoms appear.

The good news is that this discovery could lead to new ways to detect and prevent colon cancer earlier. Researchers hope it will pave the way for better screening and even targeted treatments.

While diet, genetics, and lifestyle still matter, “this adds another layer to understanding the disease,” said Dr. Sears. It may also explain why more young people are being diagnosed despite having no family history.