Bowel Cancer Surging in Young Women: New Research Points to Diet as a Key Driver

A troubling new trend has emerged: colorectal (bowel) cancer is rising faster in women under 50 than in men — a complete reversal of historical patterns. A major study published in November 2025 reveals the shift and offers clear clues about what’s driving it.

The Study: Sex-Specific Trends in Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer

Researchers led by Dr. Yin Cao at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School analysed U.S. National Cancer Institute SEER data covering more than 500,000 colorectal cancer cases from 2010–2022.

Key findings (published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute):

• Annual increase in women aged 18–54: +1.4 %

• Annual increase in men aged 18–54: +0.8 %

• In women under 50 the rise is even steeper: +2.1 % per year

  
  

→ Full paper (open access):Sex-Specific Trends in Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Incidence in the United States, 2010-2022 (doi:10.1093/jnci/djae247)

Why Women Are Now at Higher Risk

The authors and an accompanying editorial point to the Western-style diet — high in ultra-processed foods, red/processed meat, and sugar-sweetened beverages, but critically low in fibre — as the primary modifiable driver.

Supporting evidence cited in the paper and editorial:

• Average fibre intake in U.S. women under 50: only ~15 g/day (half the recommended 30 g)

• Meta-analyses showing 10 g/day higher fibre intake linked to 10–15 % lower colorectal cancer risk

• Global Burden of Disease data showing similar rises in high-income countries with Westernised diets

  
  

→ Accompanying editorial (open access):Diet and the Rise of Early-Onset Colorectal Neoplasia — Time to Sound the Alarm?

→ Global Burden of Disease early-onset CRC trends:The global, regional, and national burden of colorectal cancer… 1990–2019

What Experts Are Saying

Dr. Rebecca Siegel, American Cancer Society (quoted in multiple outlets covering the study):“Symptoms in young women are too often dismissed as IBS or period-related issues. We need awareness and screening from age 45 — no exceptions.”

Practical Takeaway

The researchers conclude that simple dietary shifts — prioritising whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruit — could reduce early-onset colorectal cancer risk by 20–40 % in the coming decades.

A Complementary Approach: Exploring Frankincense's Potential Role

As researchers hunt for innovative ways to combat the surge in early-onset bowel cancer, ancient remedies like frankincense (derived from Boswellia tree resin) are gaining fresh scientific scrutiny for their anti-cancer properties. While not a standalone treatment, preliminary studies suggest frankincense essential oil and its extracts may support conventional therapies by targeting inflammation—a key driver of colorectal carcinogenesis—and promoting cancer cell death. Key active compounds, such as boswellic acids, inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes like 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase-2, reducing gut inflammation that fuels tumor growth. In vitro and animal models have shown frankincense inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) in colorectal cancer cells by downregulating anti-apoptotic proteins like Bcl-2 and upregulating pro-apoptotic Bax, while also disrupting cell cycle progression and migration. A small 2024 clinical trial in breast cancer patients found daily doses of 2,400 mg Boswellia extract reduced tumor cell proliferation without serious side effects, hinting at broader potential—including for bowel cancers—though human trials specific to colorectal are still needed.

For those interested in integrative support, therapeutic-grade frankincense essential oil (sourced from Boswellia sacra) can be used. Common protocols include:

• Topical application: Dilute 1–2 drops in 1 tsp carrier oil (e.g., fractionated coconut); apply to abdomen 1–2 times daily for anti-inflammatory effects.

• Aromatherapy: Diffuse 3–5 drops or inhale directly from the bottle for 5–10 minutes to ease stress and fatigue linked to cancer.

• Oral (with caution): 1 drop under the tongue or in water, up to twice daily—start low to monitor tolerance, as high doses may cause digestive upset.

  
  

Frankincense hydrosol, the gentler water-based byproduct of distillation, offers a milder option for internal use. Therapeutic-grade versions (organic, steam-distilled) are ideal for:

• Gargling/mouth rinse: 1–2 tbsp for 30 seconds daily to soothe inflammation (though more throat-focused).

• Ingestion: Dilute 1–2 tbsp in water or tea, 1–3 times daily, for potential systemic support; it's safer for oral use than pure oil due to lower concentration.

  
  

Always consult a healthcare provider before starting, especially alongside chemotherapy or for bowel issues, to avoid interactions. While promising, frankincense is no miracle cure—pair it with evidence-based steps like fiber boosts and screenings for the best defense.

The message is urgent but hopeful: the surge is real, the cause is largely in our control, and the solution starts on our plates.

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Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. The statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration, and are not intended to be relied upon as medical advice. This product and information are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease, and may not apply to you. Results may vary. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking other medications, or have a serious condition, we suggest consulting with a physician or other appropriate medical professional before using any dietary supplements, or following the information provided on this site.