The conclusion was reached after reviewing over 3,000 studies on the potential cause, and it’s something that lifestyle and genetics can’t really explain.

Colon cancer cases among young people are rapidly on the rise, as a study’s findings showed that it kills 17,000 people per year in the UK.

While it has been previously suggested by the American Cancer Society that it’s all down to the Western diet, it turns out it could be something else entirely.

What could be a major cause of colon cancer?

Californian researchers posted their findings and review in the ACS Publications Environmental Science & Technology this month, and found one potential cause of the deadly disease.

They found that tiny toxins from microplastics may have a suggested link to lung and colon cancer, in addition to other lung diseases and even infertility.

It adds to the baffling scientific discovery that lung cancers not caused by tobacco are currently rising, as the health world continues to learn more about cancer and its many causes.

What are microplastics?

Microplastics are small pieces of plastic (less than 5mm in diameter) that are released by consumer goods – think clothes, toys, packaging, food containers or even tyres.

Not only do they contaminate the air, our food and our water, but they can now be found inside of our bodies, potentially causing inflammation.

If the immune system were to react to it, a number of medical issues may rise such as tissue damage and heart inflammation.

Scientists believe there could be a possible link between microplastics and colon cancer, among other health issues, though with plastic production expected to continue increasing, researchers from the University of California are calling it a ‘big concern.’

How can microplastics cause health issues?

The review, which looked at 3,000 studies across animals and humans, found that exposure to microplastics can cause long-term problems in the respiratory, digestive and reproductive systems.

The team explained: “We concluded that exposure to microplastics is ‘suspected’ to adversely impact the colon and small intestine in humans.”

Basically, the studies showed there was a possible link between microplastics and negative changes in the digestive system, as the particles can disrupt the mucus layer which protects us.

What do the researchers think?

They continued: “Across the outcomes, we identified that exposure to microplastics is ‘suspected’ to be a digestive hazard to humans, including a suspected link to colon cancer, using the key characteristics of carcinogens approach.”

Some studies found a link between microplastics and a low birth rate, though the review stated: “We concluded that exposure to microplastics is ‘suspected’ to adversely impact sperm quality and testicular health in humans.”

A link between poor lung function and microplastics present in the organ were also found, labelled as a ‘hazard’ to the respiratory system.

Researchers added that these small particles are ‘widespread’, and can be found virtually anywhere, including the Antarctic, Arctic and ocean trenches.

This means they can easily enter the human body and have even been found in breastmilk, the liver and human placenta.

Senior author Tracey J.Woodruff, professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at UCSF, stated: “These microplastics are basically particulate matter air pollution, and we know this type of air pollution is harmful.”

Multiple wildfires have been surging through California since Tuesday (January 7), leaving at least five dead and over 1,000 structures destroyed, with thousands of acres in flames as firefighters battle to try and gain control.

Residents in Los Angeles have been urged to evacuate with a red flag warning issued until Friday, however, Mayor Karen Bass had already left the city by that point.

It’s reported by The LA Times that City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson as Los Angeles’ acting mayor was Los Angeles’ acting mayor at the time the first Palisades fire broke out, as she attended the inauguration of Ghanaian President John Dramani Maham.

And Sky News reporter David Blevins didn’t hold back when questioning Mayor Bass about where she was when the wildfires broke out, alongside the city’s approach to the fire department.

In a video shared to Twitter by Sky News, Blevins can be heard asking Bass: “Do you owe citizens an apology for being absent whilst their homes were burning?”

After being met with silence, Blevins continues: “Do you regret cutting the fire department’s budget by millions of dollars madam Mayor?

“Have you nothing to say today? Have you absolutely nothing to say to the citizens today?

“Elon Musk has said you’re utterly incompetent – have you considered your position?

“Madam Mayor have you absolutely nothing to say to the citizens today who are dealing with this disaster? No apology for them? Do you think you should’ve been visiting Ghana while this was unfolding back home?”

Despite Blevins persistently asking for some sort of comment, Bass remained silent and it’s not taken long for social media users to weigh in.

One Twitter user said: “What a disgrace. Not one word for the people she represents. She needs to be recalled immediately.”

“This reporter was completely respectful of the mayor’s position while at the same time asking pertinent questions. The people in her city deserve, if not an answer to his specific questions, at least a statement of assurance that they are doing everything possible,” another added.

A third commented: “Outrageous,” while a fourth wrote: “RESIGN!!!”

A fifth said: “This is disgusting behavior. Absolutely unacceptable. They chose to fill their pockets instead of using their funds to increase their workforce and provide safety.”

And a sixth resolved: “She’s in so far over her head it’s scary. She looks a deer in headlights! She will have to answer these questions eventually and be held accountable!”

A blaze first broke out in Los Angeles on Tuesday evening (January 7), with hurricane-style winds of up to 100mph blowing it through the Pacific Coast to Pasadena.

Devastating footage of the inferno has since been shared online, as at least four other fires have since erupted, with authorities confirming three are ‘uncontained’ and ‘rapidly expanding.’

Hollywood stars are among the hundreds of thousands of residents who have been forced to evacuate their homes, while five people have been killed in the fires.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a red flag weather warning in place until 6pm tomorrow (January 10).

These are the celebrities who have lost their homes…

Adam Brody and Leighton Meester

Adam Brody’s Los Angeles home has been ‘reduced to rubble and ash,’ according to reports from TMZ.

Images shared by the publication showed ‘black smoke’ rising from the wreckage.

Brody and his wife, Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester, reportedly purchased their home in 2019 and lived there with their two children.

Miles Teller

Whiplash star Miles Teller and his wife Keleigh Sperry Teller join the list of stars who’ve lost their homes in the brutal natural disaster, according to the Daily Mail.

The couple, who married in 2019, purchased the 6,600-square-foot mansion in April 2023.

UNILAD has contacted representatives of Miles Teller for comment.

Paris Hilton

Posting to Twitter, she said she was ‘heartbroken beyond words,’ adding: “This home was where we built so many precious memories.

“It’s where Phoenix took his first steps and where we dreamed of building a lifetime of memories with London.

“While the loss is overwhelming, I’m holding onto gratitude that my family is safe.”

She went on to send her love and prayers to ‘every family affected by these fires’, adding: “The devastation is unimaginable. To know so many are waking up today without the place they called home is truly heartbreaking.”

Mandy Moore

Meanwhile singer and actor Mandy Moore spoke of her heartbreak as her neighborhood of Altadena was ‘leveled’ by the fire.

The This Is Us star shared on update on her ‘home’ on Instagram, explaining: “This is Altadena. Leveled. My sweet home.

“I am devastated and gutted for those of us who’ve lost so much. I’m absolutely numb.”

Anna Faris

Scary Movie star Anna Faris tragically lost the home she shared with her family in the Pacific Palisades.

Representatives for the actor told People: “Anna and her family are safe and very grateful.”

Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt

Posting a photo of thick smoke suffocating his sons’ nursery, he wrote: “The one positive sign i saw as our house burned down was ours sons bed burned in the shape of a heart.

“A sign of how much love was in this house so thankful for all the years and memories there with our family.”

Ricki Lake

Hairspray star and talk show host Ricki Lake took to Instagram to confirm the ‘immeasurable’ loss of her ‘dream home’.

“It’s all gone. I can’t believe I am typing these words,” she began. “It was our heaven on earth. The place where we planned to grow old together.

“We never took our heavenly spot on the bluff overlooking our beloved Malibu for granted, not even for one second.

“I shared our sunset views almost daily with all of you.”

Lake confirmed she will soon share ‘how [she] escaped’, adding: “For now I grieve.”

James Woods

Actor James Woods, whose notable credits include Vampire and Once Upon A Time in America, choked up as he described losing his Pacific Palisades property on CNN.

“One day you’re swimming in the pool and the next day it’s all gone,” he told the network.

As he helped his 94-year-old neighbor to safety, Woods explained: “There was so much chaos, it was like an inferno. Every house was on fire around us.”

He wiped away tears as he described how his wife’s eight-year-old niece offered up her piggy bank to help them rebuild their home.

Diane Warren

Celebrated songwriter and Academy Honorary Award winner Diane Warren confirmed the house she’d lived in for nearly 30 years was destroyed in the blaze.

She wrote: “There’s a rainbow shining on it which I’m taking as a sign of hope for all creatures who have been affected by this tragedy.

“The animals and the rescue ranch are OK tho which is the most important thing. Stay safe everyone.”

Billy Crystal

When Harry Met Sally star Crystal and his wife, Janice, confirmed they lost the home they’d lived in since 1979 in the devastating blaze.

In a statement, Crystal said all that remained of his property was its tennis court.

He said: “We raised our children and grandchildren here. Every inch of our house was filled with love. Beautiful memories that can’t be taken away.

“We are heartbroken of course but with the love of our children and friends we will get through this.”

Eugene Levy

Schitt’s Creek star Eugene Levy is among those whose homes were lost in the raging wildfires, as per the Daily Mail.

The actor had told the Los Angeles Times that he had been caught in a gridlock while attempting to evacuate the danger zone.

“The smoke looked pretty black and intense of Temescal Canyon,” he stated. “I couldn’t see any flames, but the smoke was very dark.”

Cameron Mathison

General Hospital star Cameron Mathison shared a shocking video of his house reduced to rubble and ash as he gave fans an update.

Taking to Instagram, he wrote: “We are safe But this is what’s left of our beautiful home. Our home where our kids were raised and where they wanted to raise their own someday.”

The Canadian actor had lived in the home with now-estranged wife Vanessa Arevalo and their two children, having purchased it in 2012.

Sandra Lee

Cookbook author and TV show host Sandra Lee revealed her Malibu home – which had been a sanctuary during her ‘darkest moments ‘ – had been destroyed in the fires.

Posting an emotional Instagram Reel, she spoke of her heartbreak but also expressed gratitude for the safety of her loved ones.

“I cried all night and thought about every room, nook, and cranny,” she explained, adding: “Everyone is safe, that is all that matters,” she resolved.

Lee purchased the home in a milestone moment in November 2019 after splitting from former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.

The chef had aspired to purchase such a property since her early days as a waitress in 1989.

Cary Elwes

Having previously shared a video of the ‘biblical’ Los Angeles blaze as her evacuated, The Princess Bride star later confirmed his home was no longer.

Taking to Instagram, he said: “Sadly, we did lose our home but we are grateful to have survived this truly devastating fire.

“Our hearts go out to all the families impacted by this tragic event and we also with to extend our gratitude to all the firefighters, first responders and law enforcement who worked so tirelessly through the night and are still at it.”

John Goodman

According to TMZ, film actor John Goodman’s house is also ‘reduced to nothing but rubble’ following the Los Angeles blaze.

The publication claims it obtained footage of the star’s home having been obliterated by flames.

UNILAD has reached out to Goodman’s representatives for comment.

Maria Shriver

Maria Shriver – a journalist, former First Lady of California and ex-wife of Arnold Schwarzenegger – said that ‘everything was gone’ in an update to Instagram.

“Heartbreaking, devastating, beyond belief. Everything is gone,” she posted, alongside a video taken by CBS News correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti.

“Our neighborhood, our restaurants. All our friends have lost everything. We have evacuated, but are safe. But people have lost everything.

“We in this city will put our arms around one another.”

Celebrities who have been evacuated

Jamie Lee Curtis and Mark Hamill were among those who spoke out about being evacuated from their homes.

Paris Hilton has spoken out about the ‘heartache’ of seeing wildfires sweep through California.

On Tuesday (January 7), the Pacific Palisades Fire erupted, hurricane-style winds blowing it through the Pacific Coast to Pasadena with multiple other wildfires having since broken out too, encircling Los Angeles.

By last night, it was reported the fire had led to the deaths of five people, residents urged to evacuate and a red flag warning issued by National Weather Service (NWS) Los Angeles and Oxnard CA in place until tomorrow.

Among the homes affected in Malibu is that of Paris Hilton, with the businesswoman having taken to Twitter to reveal she and her family saw her home ‘burn to the ground on live TV’, which she notes is ‘something no one should ever have to experience’.

In a post shared earlier today, she wrote: “Heartbroken beyond words […] This home was where we built so many precious memories. It’s where Phoenix took his first steps and where we dreamed of building a lifetime of memories with London.

“While the loss is overwhelming, I’m holding onto gratitude that my family is safe. My heart and prayers are going out to every family affected by these fires.

“To all the people who have lost their homes, their memories, and their beloved pets.

“My heartaches for those still in harm’s way or mourning greater losses. The devastation is unimaginable. To know so many are waking up today without the place they called home is truly heartbreaking.”

Hilton noted her 11:11 Media Impact Team is already in touch with various nonprofit organizations to try and provide support for those impacted by the fires.

“We’re committed to offering help as soon as possible and making a meaningful difference for those who need it most,” she added.

The socialite thanked the ‘brave firefighters and first responders risking their lives to protect’ everyone’.

She continued: “You are true heroes. I am so grateful for your courage, dedication, and the incredible sacrifices you’re making to save lives and fight this unimaginable battle. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Hilton ended the post by urging everyone to try and ‘stay safe’ as best as they can and ‘follow evacuation orders’.

With wildfires continuing to blaze through Los Angeles, California – reported as having taken the lives of at least five people and destroyed over 1,000 structures – Freaky Friday actor Jamie Lee Curtis has shared advice and urged people to offer support in any way they can.

Curtis took to Instagram to speak out about the devastation being caused by the wildfires in a post shared yesterday (January 8).

She wrote: “My community and possibly my home is on fire. My family is safe. Many of my friends will lose their homes. Many other communities as well. There are so many conflicting reports. With all the technology there seems to be very little information. PLEASE POST FACTS! IT WILL HELP THOSE WONDERING!

“It is a terrifying situation and I’m grateful to the firefighters and all of the good Samaritans who are helping people get out of the way of the blaze. Neighbors have taken care of neighbors. We ALL take everything for granted because we are all living our lives but when it hits your community, it’s particularly shocking. Life on life’s terms. If ever there was need for the use of the phrase MY HAND IN YOURS, it is right now. Take care of each other. Stay out of the way and let the firefighters do their work. Pray if you believe in it and even if you don’t, pray for those who do.”

The actor appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon later that day, with the episode seeing Curtis admit she felt like she was ‘literally about to cry’ shortly after sitting down to chat with the host.

While noting she felt like crying ‘mostly because of [receiving a] beautiful welcome’, Curtis continued: “As you know, where I live is on fire right now. Literally, the entire city of the Pacific Palisades is burning.”

The actor explained she found out about the devastation that was occurring while on a plane flying over to California, receiving texts informing her what was happening.

She said: “It’s f**king gnarly, you guys. It’s a catastrophe in Southern California. Obviously there has been horrific fires in many places. This is literally where I live. Everything. The market I shop in, the schools my kids go to, friends.”

Curtis revealed ‘many, many, many’ of her friends have ‘lost their homes,’ emphasizing’ it’s a really awful situation’ before urging people to help where they can.

She resolved: “I am obviously going to go home first thing tomorrow and be with my family and try to help my friends, but it is – just so I can tell you, if you know anybody on the West Coast or not, the American Red Cross, support them. They will come in and help people. Do anything you can, anything in your community to help people. Whether you need it or not now, you will need it.

“Give blood, donate, animal shelters.

“And remember, since I’m on the middle of a very big television show, for anybody living anywhere, have an emergency kit in your house. I’m an American Red Cross ambassador – have an emergency kit with prescription glasses, medicines, dog food, baby formula, all the things you need if you need to flee.”

In another updated shared to Instagram, Curtis said: “Our home is safe. So many others have lost everything. Help where you can.”

130,000 have been forced to flee their homes in California as wildfires continue to ravage parts of Los Angeles.

At the time of writing, five people are reported to have died in the blaze that’s expanded from 300 acres to more than 27,000 in just over 24 hours.

More than 1,000 buildings are said to have been destroyed in the fires, including several celebrities’ homes.

Hilton said ‘the devastation is unimaginable’ as she shared her condolences to other people in the area going through the same thing.

Unfortunately, wildfires in California aren’t uncommon, but the extent of the current fires spreading across the state have been hailed as ‘unprecedented’.

LA police department chief James McDonnell added that he’s ‘never seen anything like this’, The Guardian reported.

While the extent of the fires have shocked many, podcaster Joe Rogan made a bleak prediction last year about extreme wildfires destroying most of LA.

Speaking in an episode that aired in July 2024, Rogan recalled a conversation he had with a firefighter.

“I talked to a fireman once. This is one of the reasons it freaked me out,” Rogan said.

“He goes: ‘Dude, one day, it’s going to be the right wind, and the fire’s going to start in the right place, and it’s going to burn through LA all the way to the ocean. And there’s not a f**king thing we can do about it.”

Rogan went on to say that firefighter said that ‘we just get lucky’ when it comes to the extent of the wildfires the city’s had in previous years because of the wind.

“These fires are so big, dude,” the podcaster continued to tell his co-hosts.

“They’re talking about thousands of acres that are burning simultaneously with, like, 40mph winds.

“The wind’s just blowing embers through the air and those embers are landing on roofs, and those houses are going up [in flames].”

Rogan added: “It happens in a way that’s so spread out that there’s nothing [the fire department] can do.”

Five different wildfires have broken out in the city: The Palisades Fire, the Eaton Fire, the Sunset Fire, the Hurst Fire and the Lidia Fire, CBS reports

As of today (January 9), zero percent of the blaze has been contained.