Researchers are launching a large-scale study aimed at understanding the rising incidence of bowel cancer among adults under 50. The study, funded by the charity established in memory of Dame Deborah James, a Sun columnist who died from bowel cancer in 2022, seeks to recruit 250,000 volunteers aged 18 and over across the UK.

Dame Deborah, diagnosed at age 35 and passing away at 40, was known for leading a healthy lifestyle, including vegetarianism and regular running. Her husband, Seb Bowen, emphasized the importance of early diagnosis in improving treatment success, noting that Deborah’s experience highlighted the need to identify those at higher risk earlier in the disease process.

The study, led by King’s College London’s Professor Sarah Berry, aims to investigate why bowel cancer rates have doubled among younger adults over the past 30 years. Researchers intend to track participants’ diet, lifestyle, and health over time to determine differences between those who develop bowel cancer and those who do not.

Professor Berry pointed to significant changes in lifestyles, diets, and environments over recent generations but noted that the specific factors contributing to increased early-onset bowel cancer remain unclear. She stressed the urgency of gathering extensive long-term data to pinpoint the causes and potentially inform prevention strategies.

One prevailing hypothesis is that increased consumption of processed and junk foods may play a role, while diets higher in fiber, fruits, and vegetables might reduce cancer risk. The study seeks to clarify these associations to support targeted public health recommendations.

The Bowelbabe charity, founded by Dame Deborah James, has raised £21 million toward research and awareness efforts and is funding this prospective study known as Prospect-UK. The organisers are inviting volunteers to participate through the project’s website, aiming to enhance understanding of early-onset bowel cancer and improve outcomes by facilitating earlier detection.