E. coli Toxin in Childhood Linked to Early-Onset Bowel Cancer
Scientists have discovered a link between childhood contact with a toxin produced by E. coli and higher rates of bowel cancer in young adults.
Through our extensive experience handling E. coli cases, we have seen first-hand how dangerous this bacterium can be for children, sometimes causing devastating outcomes such as renal failure or brain damage. This new research further underscores the urgent need to raise awareness about the risks posed by harmful strains of E. coli, especially to young children.
Fieldfisher has represented many families whose children became seriously ill after contracting the dangerous E. coli O157 strain, typically through interaction with farm animals or consuming contaminated food, such as undercooked meat.
In cases arising from a major farm outbreak, we secured substantial settlements for affected children and, crucially, negotiated provisional damages for the most severely injured. This means they have the right to return to court should their condition deteriorate in future - for instance, if they suffer renal failure.
While E. coli is usually a harmless and essential component of a healthy gut microbiome, certain strains can produce toxins with devastating effects. In research published in the journal Nature, scientists found that encountering the toxin colibactin before the age of ten can trigger mutations in bowel cell DNA, potentially increasing the risk of developing cancer before age 50.
The international study analysed nearly 1,000 genomes from bowel cancer patients across 11 countries, comparing cases of early and late-onset disease. They found that the DNA mutations associated with colibactin were 3.3 times more common in individuals diagnosed under 40 compared to those diagnosed after 70.
Cancer Research UK data shows a worrying 52 per cent rise in bowel cancer rates among 25 t0 49-year-olds since the 1990s, with young people in England experiencing the highest incidence of early-onset bowel cancer in Europe.
It remains unclear why children's contact with colibactin-producing bacteria might be increasing. However, factors currently under investigation include the overuse of antibiotics, a rise in caesarean births, and growing consumption of ultra-processed foods.
The research is part of Mutographs, a £20 million Grand Challenge project aimed at uncovering the causes behind the rise in young-onset bowel cancer.
Professor Sir Mike Stratton, who leads the Mutographs team at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, commented: "If this finding is confirmed, it could open the door to preventative strategies — such as screening for the presence of the toxin or its bacterial source and developing methods to eliminate them from the body during childhood."
Contact us
For further information about E. coli O157 claims and personal injury claims, please call Claire Glasgow on 0330 460 6747 or email claire.glasgow@fieldfisher.com.
Alternatively
- You can speak to our personal injury lawyers on freephone 0800 358 3848
- e-Mail them at personalinjury@fieldfisher.com
- Complete the short online enquiry form
All enquiries are completely free of charge and we will investigate all funding options for you including no win, no fee.
