Common tummy bug that causes burping and bloating ‘behind one in five bowel cancer cases’

A TUMMY bug found in millions of Brits may be linked to a fifth of all bowel cancer cases, research suggests. Experts at the University of California San Diego analysed dozens of studies on a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori. Helicobacter pylori are common and are thought to spread via bodily fluids (stock image) Credit: Getty Bowel cancer is one of the most common types of tumour in the UK They found that people exposed to the germ were at 60 per cent greater risk of bowel cancer than people not exposed to it. They suggest it could be one of the factors driving up cases in young adults as the link appeared to be stronger in younger people. Sign up for the Health newsletter Thank you! Cancer Research UK says one in 20 bowel tumours are in under-50s and early-onset cases increased 3.6 per cent per year between 2007 and 2017. The NHS estimates 40 per cent of people in the UK are exposed to H. pylori bacteria and about one in ten get symptoms of infection, which are similar to mild food poisoning. Most people would never know they had it and do not need treatment. Writing in the journal eGastroenterology, study author Dr Shalija Shah said: “Globally, based on estimates from 43 studies, an estimated 22 per cent of colorectal cancer cases were potentially related to H. pylori… a preventable risk factor.” The bacteria can be eliminated with antibiotics but experts caution against blanket prescriptions as they can be harmful or make medicines less effective. The NHS says the way the bug spreads is not well understood and many people might pick it up from other people’s bodily fluids when they are children. Most read in Health Bowel cancer is one of the most common forms of the disease in the UK, affecting 48,000 people per year, and doctors do not know why rates are rising in younger people. Dr Rosiered Brownson-Smith, from King’s College London, was not part of the study but said: “Crucially, there is still no trial showing that treating H. pylori infection actually prevents bowel cancer. “H. pylori is already a well-established cause of stomach cancer, and if it does turn out to meaningfully raise bowel cancer risk too, that would matter hugely for prevention. “But this study is a careful estimate of what might be true, not proof.” The signs of bowel cancer you need to know - remember BOWEL B:Bleeding There are several possible causes of bleeding from your bottom, or blood in your poo. Bright red blood could come from swollen blood vessels, haemorrhoids or piles, in your back passage. Dark red or black blood could come from your bowel or stomach. Blood in your stools is one of the key signs of bowel cancer, so it’s important to mention it to your doctor so they can investigate. 2. O: Obvious change in loo habits It’s important to tell your GP if you have noticed any changes in your bowel habits that last three weeks or longer. It’s especially important if you have also noticed signs of blood in your poo. You might notice you need to go to the loo more often, you might have looser stools or feel like you’re not going enough or fully emptying your bowels. Don’t be embarrassed, your GP will have heard a lot worse! Speak up and get it checked. 3. W: Weight loss This is less common than the other symptoms, but an important one to be aware of. If you’ve lost weight and don’t really know why, it’s worth mentioning to your GP. You may not feel like eating, feel sick, bloated and not hungry. 4. E: Extreme tiredness Bowel cancer that causes bleeding can cause a lack of iron in the body – anaemia. If you develop anaemia you’re likely to feel tired and your skin might look pale. 5. L: Lump or pain As with lots of other forms of cancer, a lump or pain can be a sign of bowel cancer. It’s most likely you’ll notice a pain or lump in your stomach or back passage. See your GP if it doesn’t go away, or if it affects how you eat or sleep Comment now