Unraveling the Mystery of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer: Aiming to Predict Risk with 10 Biomarkers

Unraveling the Mystery of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer: Aiming to Predict Risk with 10 Biomarkers

2025年06月27日 19:30

What Should We Know About the Rising Trend of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer?

Since 1990, cases of colorectal cancer in individuals under 50 have been increasing worldwide. In response to this expansion of "early-onset colorectal cancer," a research team led by Professor Michael Samuel from the University of South Australia has launched a new research project aimed at identifying "10 biomarkers" that hold the key to early detection and recurrence prediction.


1. What is Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer?

Early-onset colorectal cancer refers to colorectal cancer diagnosed in individuals under 50. Traditionally, colorectal cancer was more common in older adults, but nowadays, patients in their 20s to 40s are becoming more noticeable. In Australia, research indicates that individuals born in 1990 have a threefold higher risk of developing the disease compared to those born in 1950.



2. Why is it Increasing Among Younger Generations?

Researchers believe that a combination of factors such as changes in diet, lack of exercise, obesity, disruption of gut bacteria, overuse of antibiotics, and genetic mutations are involved. Particularly, the environment during childhood is being highlighted as potentially affecting colon cells.



3. High Risk of Recurrence and Its Challenges

Patients with early-onset colorectal cancer have a recurrence rate of about 50% after surgery, which is higher than that of older patients (about 33%). The limited means to predict recurrence is a challenge, and the discovery of biomarkers is expected to be a breakthrough in addressing this issue.



4. What is the Research on the 10 Biomarkers?

Biomarkers are molecules that serve as indicators of tumors or abnormalities in the body. Professor Samuel and his team aim to identify 10 types of tumor-related molecules to


  • Identify individuals at high risk early

  • Detect recurrence after surgery in advance

  • Avoid unnecessary treatments


    pave the way for personalized treatment methods and new medical approaches.




5. Funding and Structure of the Research

This research is being conducted with a total grant of $570,000 from Bowel Cancer Australia and Cancer Australia. It is based at the University of South Australia and is being carried out in collaboration with research institutions such as SA Pathology, CALHN, and the Basil Hetzel Institute.



6. Potential for Clinical Application and Future Outlook

If successful, the 10 biomarkers are expected to be utilized as diagnostic kits and recurrence prediction tools in clinical settings. This will enable more precise and rapid diagnosis even in younger populations, leading to early treatment and prevention of recurrence.



7. Implications for Japan: Revising Screening Ages and Raising Awareness

In Japan, colorectal cancer screenings are typically targeted at those aged 40 and over, but with the increase in younger patients, there is a need to lower the starting age for screenings and promote lifestyle improvements.



8. The Importance of Awareness Campaigns

In Australia, a campaign called "Never Too Young" is being conducted to educate people about the risks and symptoms of early-onset cancer. In Japan, utilizing events such as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in April for information dissemination is key.



9. Bridging Science and Society

This research is not just a scientific achievement but also holds social significance in protecting young lives. It aims to create a society where people can envision their future without the fear of recurrence.


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