Studies Prolonged use of antibiotics increases the risk of colon cancer

Prolonged treatments with antibiotics can lead to growths in the intestine
Prescribing antibiotics may lead to the development of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains. For this reason, medics should only use antibiotics if it is really unavoidable. This could also be crucial for another reason: Researchers have now found that long-term use of antibiotics leads to the development of small intestinal growths that can develop into cancer.

The researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School found that long-term antibiotic use may increase the risk of colorectal cancer. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "Good".

Normally, antibiotics are supposed to help treat bacterial infections. However, experts have now found that long-term use can also increase the risk of colon cancer. (Image: nenetus / fotolia.com)

What are intestinal polyps?
So-called intestinal polyps are small growths in our intestines. These growths are relatively common. In the British population alone, about 15 to 20 percent of such growths are affected, the scientists report. In most cases, intestinal polyps do not cause symptoms and do not become cancerous, the authors say. But there are also exceptions, where developed by a lack of treatment from the growths cancer.

Physicians examine data from more than 16,500 female volunteers
For the current study, the experts analyzed the data of 16,600 nurses. They had participated in a long-standing US study called the Nurses' Health Study. The researchers found that taking antibiotics for a period of two months or longer in women between the ages of 20 and 39 years increased the likelihood of certain types of intestinal polyps (adenomas) compared to people who did not at that age long term antibiotics.

Taking antibiotics alters the microbiome of the gut
Intake of antibiotics fundamentally changes the so-called intestinal microbiome by the drug reduces the variety and the number of bacteria. This also reduces the resistance to dangerous bacteria. This could play a crucial role in the development of colorectal cancer, scientists suggest.

Do not give up antibiotics in general
"While the data on our growing knowledge of the importance of gut bacteria contributes to our health, people generally should not stop taking antibiotics," the experts emphasize. Antibiotics remain crucial drugs for the treatment of bacterial infections. If these drugs are used as prescribed and appropriate, they can save people's lives, the authors add.

What factors increase the risk of colorectal cancer?
A diet rich in red and processed meat can increase the risk of colorectal cancer. In addition, colorectal cancer is more common in people who are overweight or obese, the researchers say. Even too little exercise leads to an increased risk. The consumption of a lot of alcohol or cigarettes could also lead to colon cancer. If there have been cases of colorectal cancer in your family history, you may be at increased risk for colorectal cancer, explain the physicians.

Microbes in the gut affect human health
People who have been prescribed antibiotics by medical professionals should continue to take them and discuss any concerns with their doctor, the researchers explain. It is difficult to pin down specific risks for individuals because the study looks at the precursors of cancer, not the cancer itself. However, research shows how the microbes in the gut affect our health, the authors say.

Further research is needed
If the results are confirmed by other studies and the use of antibiotics actually promotes the formation of tumors, the intake would have to be further limited, the researchers explain. The use of antibiotics can have a lasting impact on health, add the physicians. (As)