US study highlights link between antibiotics and bowel cancer
Wednesday 5 April 2017
Today (Wednesday 5 April 2017) an American study published in GUT reveals that people who take antibiotics for a long time are more likely to develop growths on the bowel, which can lead to bowel cancer.
Experts warn that the early results need further investigation and people should not stop taking antibiotics.
Polyps are non-cancerous growths that can grow in the lining of the body’s organs, including the bowel. In most cases, they do not become cancerous but some go on to develop into cancers if left untreated.
Dr Lisa Wilde, Director of Research and External Affairs of Bowel Cancer UK, said:
“The results of the study are interesting and adds to a growing body of knowledge on how the bacteria that live in our bodies affects our health. However this is an observational study and it is impossible to definitively know if longer term antibiotic use causes bowel cancer. It’s vital that people continue to take any antibiotics they have currently been prescribed, and speak to your GP for any concerns about your bowel health.
“We know that 41,200 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year, it’s the fourth most common cancer in the UK. There are several known factors that increase your risk of getting the disease.
“Some of these are things you can’t do anything about, for example, age and genetics. But you can make changes to your lifestyle to help stack the odds against bowel cancer, such as being of a healthy weight, taking more exercise, cutting down on alcohol and stopping smoking.”
- Find out more about reducing your risk of bowel cancer
- Read more about how your family history can affect your risk of bowel cancer
