Effects of sugary drinks on gut health and young-onset colorectal cancer
Official title: Impact of sugary drinks on gut microbiota and development of young-onset colorectal cancer
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10734338 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how drinking sugary drinks might be linked to an increase in colorectal cancer in people under 50, using mice to see if these drinks speed up the growth of early cancer signs, and it hopes to find ways that changing our diets could help prevent this type of cancer in younger folks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2021 |
| Award (this year) | $159,999 |
| NIH project number | 7R21CA258134-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10734338 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young adults under 50 who consume sugar-sweetened beverages regularly.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume sugar-sweetened beverages or who are over 50 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential link between the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and the rising rates of colorectal cancer in individuals under 50. By using a mouse model that mimics early-stage colon cancer, the study aims to understand how SSBs may accelerate the development of precancerous polyps into cancer. The researchers will explore the role of diet in shaping gut microbiota and how an unhealthy diet may contribute to cancer development. This could provide insights into dietary interventions that may help prevent young-onset colorectal cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to dietary recommendations that help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in young adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown a correlation between diet and colorectal cancer, but this research aims to establish a direct causal link, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yun, Jihye — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Yun, Jihye
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Gut bacteria changes after bariatric surgery and colorectal cancer risk
This study will follow adults who had bariatric surgery to understand how changes in the gut microbiome and bile acids might influence colorectal cancer risk.
-
Gut bacteria and colorectal cancer risk in people with ulcerative colitis
Researchers are looking at whether certain gut bacteria help protect against or promote colorectal cancer in people who have ulcerative colitis.
-
How weight-loss (bariatric) surgery changes gut bacteria and colon cancer risk
This project looks at how gut bacteria, bile acids, and other body changes after bariatric surgery might affect future colorectal (colon) cancer risk in adults who had the operation.
-
Understanding how gut bacteria influence colorectal cancer in patients with ulcerative colitis
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut might influence the risk of developing colorectal cancer if you have ulcerative colitis, and it aims to find out which types of bacteria could help protect you or possibly increase that risk.
-
How gut bacteria changes after weight loss surgery may affect colorectal cancer risk
This study is looking at how changes in the bacteria in your gut after weight loss surgery might affect your chances of getting colorectal cancer, and it’s for people who have had or are considering bariatric surgery.
-
Gut microbiome and Parkinson's disease: how gut bugs relate to symptoms and progression
A multi-year study will look at gut bacteria and related markers in people with Parkinson’s disease to understand how the gut-brain connection may influence symptoms and progression.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.