Could Microplastics Be Contributing to Rising Bowel Cancer Rates in Younger Adults?
Researchers from the School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash Health, and Cabrini Health are investigating whether microplastics, tiny plastic particles ingested through food and water, could be playing a role in the concerning rise of bowel cancer in people under the age of 50.
Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer globally. While overall incidence rates have stabilised, early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing among younger adults. Projections suggest that by the next decade, one in four rectal cancers will occur in people under 50.
In a recent ANZ Journal of Surgery paper, Dr Rathin Gosavi, Dr Vignesh Narasimhan and Dr Geraldine Ooi , all affiliated with the School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, joined a broader team of researchers to examine the potential role of microplastics in early-onset bowel cancer. While established lifestyle factors such as obesity, diet, inactivity, alcohol consumption and smoking are known contributors, the authors suggest that microplastics warrant closer investigation.
“We’re seeing more young patients with rectal and distal colon cancer, often without the usual risk factors,” Dr Narasimhan said. “This motivated us to explore whether microplastics could contribute in some way.”
The hypothesis stems from growing evidence that microplastics may disrupt the mucus barrier that lines the bowel. If this barrier thins or becomes patchy, it can leave cells vulnerable to inflammation and microbial toxins.
“Microplastics might also disturb the balance of ‘friendly’ bacteria that produce compounds protecting the gut,” Dr Gosavi said. “They may also provide surfaces for harmful bacteria to form biofilms, sticky bacterial layers that can release toxins linked to colorectal cancer.”
Adults are estimated to ingest between 39,000 and 52,000 microplastic particles annually, primarily via food and water. Infants may be exposed to significantly higher levels, especially through plastic baby bottles.
So should we be cutting out plastics altogether?
“Avoidance is really not possible, as plastics are all around us,” Dr Narasimhan said.
“But perhaps we can be a bit more cautious and limit the use of plastic containers and plastic packaged foods. Just limiting its usage would be a very sensible start.”
This research highlights the importance of investigating how modern environmental exposures may influence long-term health outcomes, especially for younger generations.
Read the ANZ Journal of Surgery paper
This story was first published by Cabrini Health on 25 June 2025: Cabrini research reveals plastic is not so fantastic.
About Monash University
Monash University is Australia’s largest university with more than 80,000 students. In the 60 years since its foundation, it has developed a reputation for world-leading high-impact research, quality teaching, and inspiring innovation.
With four campuses in Australia and a presence in Malaysia, China, India, Indonesia and Italy, it is one of the most internationalised Australian universities.
As a leading international medical research university with the largest medical faculty in Australia and integration with leading Australian teaching hospitals, we consistently rank in the top 50 universities worldwide for clinical, pre-clinical and health sciences.
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