Silent Increase in Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer ─ The "Energy Drink Hypothesis" and the Blind Spot of Gut Microbiota: Lack of Dietary Fiber, Energy Drinks, and Overlooked Early Signs

1. What is the "Problem"?

The German newspaper HNA reported on August 23, 2025, that changes in diet are linked to the increase in colorectal cancer among young people. The article points out that risks lurk in "popular drinks," and the linked explanation focuses on the combination of energy drinks and eating habits. The key point is that excessive sugar × lack of dietary fiber can disrupt the intestinal environment and potentially promote gut bacteria associated with carcinogenesis. hna.denextg.tv

2. The Content of the Energy Drink "Hypothesis"

In recent years, there has been increasing attention on Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum), which is said to promote inflammation in the gut and aid tumor formation. Recent basic research has also shown that this bacterium can interact with cells in the tumor microenvironment and potentially promote tumor progression. There is a hypothesis that taurine, which is abundant in energy drinks, is involved in this process. Clinical studies and trials are underway to explore the possibility that taurine intake increases certain bacterial groups, such as hydrogen sulfide-producing bacteria, thereby raising cancer risk. However, as of now, there is no evidence to definitively establish causation. PubMedCancer Information Centercancer.ufl.eduPMC

Research Note: ASCO abstracts are at the stage of examining whether high taurine from energy drinks could worsen the risk of early-onset CRC. To go beyond observation and hypothesis, prospective interventions and rigorous human data are needed. ACS Publications

3. The Reality of Increasing Colorectal Cancer Among Young People

In U.S. statistics, colorectal cancer deaths are estimated to be about 52,900 in 2025, with an increasing incidence among those under 45. Recent analyses report an annual increase of 1.6% for ages 20–39, 2.0–2.6% for ages 40–44 and 50–54, and an acceleration to 12% annually for ages 45–49 from 2019–2022. The influence of dietary habits and environmental factors is being debated as a background, and in the U.S., the recommendation to lower the screening start age for average-risk individuals to 45 years is becoming common. Cancer.orgAmerican Cancer Society MediaRoom

4. Gut Bacteria and Carcinogenesis: What is Known

Evidence is expanding that oral and gut bacteria, including F. nucleatum, are involved in tumor progression and immune evasion. The possibility that a subtype (Fna C2) may aid tumor formation and the knowledge that bacteria-fibroblast interactions promote tumors are pieces of the mechanism puzzle that are coming together. However, human dietary habits, genetics, and environment are intricately intertwined, making it difficult to explain with a single factor. Cancer Information CenterPubMed

5. Media Reports and "Over-Simplification"

In the spring of 2025, a mouse study suggesting "taurine promotes leukemia proliferation" became a topic of discussion, but experts caution that it does not directly indicate cancer risk in humans. Taurine is also present in the body and food, and its effects vary depending on dosage, context, and disease background. In the energy drink issue, it is important to first focus on established risks such as high sugar content and excessive consumption. Health

6. Reactions on Social Media—The Clash Between Cautious and Skeptical Views

The topic has spread on social media, dividing into three narratives.

• Cautious View: "The myth that 'young means safe' is false. If you drink habitually, you should cut back."

  “They don't trigger cancer to form. Just avoid taking a bunch of micronutrient supplements, if you have cancer.” (Summary: It doesn't "cause" cancer, but avoid taking large amounts of supplements if you have cancer.) Reddit

• Skeptical View: "There are also positive data on taurine for longevity and cardiovascular health. It's premature to link it solely to colorectal cancer risk."

  “Taurine blamed for colon cancer rise… Evidence? This is the same taurine that has been shown to increase lifespan.” Reddit

• Concern of Those Affected: "I consumed a lot in the past. Am I okay?"

  “I drank several … energy drinks … before I got acute myeloid leukemia … I would avoid drinking energy drinks in general.” (Personal account) Reddit

*Posts on social media are personal opinions, and the strength of medical evidence varies greatly with each post.

7. Practical Actions You Can Take Now

• Avoid Excessive Consumption: Even if energy drinks are "occasional," prioritize water, unsweetened tea, and reviewing sleep as measures for regular use in work or study.

• Increase Dietary Fiber / Reduce Sugar: Base your diet on vegetables, beans, whole grains, and fruits.

• Don't Overlook Symptoms: Persistent abdominal pain for several weeks, sudden changes in bowel habits, bloody stools, and unexplained fatigue require medical consultation. nextg.tv

• Screening: For average-risk individuals, start at 45 years. If you have a family history, past medical history, or symptoms, consult a doctor earlier. Cancer.org

8. Conclusion

The increase in colorectal cancer among young people is a statistical fact, and the possibility that dietary habits characterized by high sugar × low dietary fiber may be involved through the intestinal environment is high. On the other hand, the causation of energy drinks (taurine) alone is uncertain and is still under investigation. Regardless of the conclusion, the three pillars of "moderation," "regulation," and "early detection" remain unchanged. American Cancer Society MediaRoomCancer Information Center