Uncovering risk factors in the exposome for early-onset colorectal cancer

A new perspective published in Nature Medicine examines the alarming rise in early-onset colorectal cancer and the role of environmental exposures — collectively known as the exposome — in driving this trend. The authors highlight epigenetic signatures as a promising tool to identify which environmental factors are contributing to the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer among younger individuals. While traditional risk factors such as diet, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle are suspected contributors, the precise mechanisms remain unclear. The study underscores the urgent need for systematic exposome-wide research to uncover modifiable drivers and inform prevention strategies for this growing public health concern.