Gut Microbiota and Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is sharply increasing in young adults, likely due to a progressive accumulation of epigenetic alterations linked to environmental and nutritional factors. Intestinal cancer is highly related to lifestyle and dietary habits, which play a crucial role in shaping the intestinal microbiome. While metagenomic studies are expanding the number of pro-carcinogenic bacterial strains, an increased understanding of the mechanisms linking gut microbiota to neoplastic transformation will likely lead to new strategies for promoting intestinal health and preventing the onset of colorectal cancer.