Stiffening Colon: Cancer Risk in Younger Adults Explained
- A new study published in Advanced Science indicates that long-term inflammation can physically alter the colon, fostering the development and spread of early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC).
- Chronic inflammation increases the stiffness of colon tissue, creating an environment conducive to cancer development.
- "We consider this study a significant advancement toward identifying those at risk of early-onset CRC and finding new ways to treat them," said Emina Huang, M.D., M.B.A., Professor...
Chronic Inflammation Linked to Physical Changes in Colon, Increasing Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Risk
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A new study published in Advanced Science indicates that long-term inflammation can physically alter the colon, fostering the development and spread of early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC).
how Inflammation Changes the Colon
Chronic inflammation increases the stiffness of colon tissue, creating an environment conducive to cancer development. Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center and The University of texas at Dallas collaborated on the study, which highlights the role of biomechanical forces in the pathogenesis of early-onset CRC.
“We consider this study a significant advancement toward identifying those at risk of early-onset CRC and finding new ways to treat them,” said Emina Huang, M.D., M.B.A., Professor of Surgery in the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery and Executive Vice Chair of Research for Surgery at UT Southwestern, on January 23, 2026.
The Rise of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancers typically diagnosed after age 50 are considered average-onset or sporadic. However, colorectal cancers diagnosed before age 50, known as early-onset CRCs, have been increasing sharply since the 1990s. While diagnosis and death rates for average-onset CRCs have declined over the past three decades, early-onset CRC cases have risen.
Since 2020, early-onset CRC has represented approximately 12% of all colorectal cancer cases in the United States.
Study Findings and Implications
Jacopo Ferruzzi, Ph.D., assistant Professor of Bioengineering at UT Dallas and Biomedical Engineering at UT Southwestern, stated on January 23, 2026, “This is the frist study to highlight the key role of biomechanical forces in the pathogenesis of early-onset CRC. Our observations are consistent across multiple length scales and link connective tissue stiffening to altered biochemical signaling in cancer cells.” The research suggests potential new avenues for identifying at-risk individuals and developing targeted treatments.
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