Boomers
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Boomers study: identifying a causative role for pks+ e-coli mutagenesis in early onset colorectal cancer evolution
IRAS ID
357645
Contact name
Nevan Mcnichol
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
London Northwest Healthcare Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The rising rates of early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC), which occurs in people under 50, are unlikely to be caused by changes in human genetics—since our genes haven’t changed much since the 1960s. Instead, the cause may lie in the exposome, which includes all the environmental factors we’re exposed to throughout life, such as diet, pollution, lifestyle, and chemicals. Our hypothesis is that EOCRC is the same disease as late-age onset colorectal cancer (LOCRC) it just happens faster. Some of the same environmental exposures that cause LOCRC may now be acting more quickly or intensely, especially in younger people who usually wouldn’t develop cancer so early. In this case, EOCRC wouldn’t be biologically different but would just appear earlier due to modern environmental pressures. Understanding these causes would mean we could recommend prevention and risk stratification techniques as well as advise on screening.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/EE/0195
Date of REC Opinion
19 Sep 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion