Does this sound familiar? Broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed very frequently and often quite quickly by doctors. In the long term, those affected can develop resistance, which makes further treatments more difficult. The immune system is weakened, and the intestines in particular suffer from the antibiotics. For people who take antibiotics for extended periods, the risk of developing colon cancer later in life can also increase. A common cause of this is the increased abnormal growth of polyps in the large intestine.
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Colon Polyps – Not Uncommon
Colon polyps are sac-like protrusions of the colon lining that can arise from localized increased cell growth. They are usually harmless and can be removed during a colonoscopy. Regular monitoring is important, as polyps can become precancerous over time for various reasons, and they also have the potential to become inflamed.
The Connection with Colorectal Cancer
Based on the Nurses’ Health Study, correlations have been found between antibiotic use and the development of colon polyps. Since colon polyps can become precancerous, they may promote the development of colorectal cancer.
The study has been ongoing since 1976 and includes more than 120,000 participating U.S. nurses, who are regularly surveyed about their lifestyle and health status. A total of 16,642 participants over the age of 60 underwent at least one preventive colonoscopy. Polyps were discovered and removed in over 1,000 women. Analysis showed that women who took antibiotics for two months or longer had polyps 36% more frequently.
Conclusion
Frequent antibiotic treatments can increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Damage to the gut microbiota caused by antibiotics appears to be a significant factor. Therefore, it is especially important to maintain a healthy gut microbiota and intestinal lining, and to take antibiotics only under medical supervision. Probiotics can help support the balance of gut microorganisms during and/or after antibiotic therapy.
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Source
C. White, EurekAlert, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), 2017: Long-term use of antibiotics in early to mid-life associated with cancer-promoting polyps. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/557297
