"The Foods That Led to Terminal Colorectal Cancer in a 12-Year-Old Boy: 'My Child Eats Them Too'"

Colorectal cancer, once considered a disease affecting only adults, is increasingly being diagnosed among younger individuals. In particular, a recent case in China, where a 12-year-old boy with an unbalanced diet was diagnosed with late-stage colorectal cancer, has heightened warnings about how everyday eating habits can significantly accelerate disease risk.

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According to recent reports from Chinese media outlets such as Dahe Daily, the boy, who lives in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, experienced recurring abdominal pain and diarrhea for several months. Initially, these symptoms were thought to be due to a simple gastrointestinal disorder. Instead of taking him to a hospital, his family managed his symptoms with medication purchased from a pharmacy.

However, as time went on, the boy experienced rapid weight loss and even developed bloody stools. By the time he was finally taken to a hospital, the disease had already progressed considerably. Medical examinations revealed that he had late-stage colorectal cancer, with ascites in his abdominal cavity and metastasis to the peritoneum.

Experts have cited an 'unbalanced diet' as the main cause. In fact, the boy reportedly lived with his grandparents from a young age and primarily consumed carbonated drinks, bubble tea, instant noodles, and fried foods, while rarely eating vegetables or fruits.

Experts emphasize that a diet high in sugar, fat, and sodium can disrupt the balance of gut microbiota and create a chronic inflammatory environment. If such conditions persist over a long period, they can induce abnormal cell proliferation in the colon, increasing the risk of cancer. Moreover, in addition to consuming sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods, a lack of exercise and irregular lifestyle habits can further accelerate the risk of developing intestinal diseases.

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While colorectal cancer remains rare among children, recent trends show a decrease in the age of onset. Although genetic factors are considered the primary cause, research continues to show that dietary habits can act as an accelerating factor, bringing forward the timing of disease development.

In fact, in Italy in 2022, a case was reported of a 12-year-old girl being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. She had maintained a meat-heavy diet since early childhood, with little to no intake of vegetables or fish. Researchers suggested that, in addition to her family history, her long-standing, biased eating habits likely contributed to the onset of the disease.

Experts stress that managing eating habits from childhood is crucial for maintaining colon health. It is important to consume sufficient foods rich in dietary fiber, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, while minimizing the intake of sugary beverages like carbonated drinks and bubble tea. Additionally, reducing consumption of fried and ultra-processed foods, alongside maintaining a regular lifestyle and engaging in physical activity, can help keep the intestinal environment healthy.

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