Loading...
Alterations of the gut microbiome can increase colorectal cancer (CRC) risk via bacteria that cause local inflammation and promote carcinogenesis. Previous studies suggest an association between CRC and exposure to antibiotics, but this remains insufficiently characterized.
Using a large clinical research database in the U.K., researchers compared antibiotic exposure in 28,980 sporadic CRC cases and 137,077 matched controls. The analysis was adjusted for demographic and clinical factors associated with CRC risk. Median follow-up was 8 years. Results were as follows:
Antibiotic exposure was more common among individuals with colon cancer compared with controls (71.3% vs. 69.1%; P<0.001); the association was limited to the proximal colon.
Antibi…