February 17, 2025
We are immensely proud to announce that our esteemed medical advisor, Professor Frank Frizelle, has been featured in a TIME Magazine cover story for his groundbreaking research into the alarming rise of cancer among young adults. The article, titled “The Race to Explain Why More Young Adults Are Getting Cancer,” delves into the critical work being done to understand this concerning trend.
In 2014, Professor Frizelle treated a woman in her late 20s diagnosed with bowel cancer—a rarity given her age. The situation took an unexpected turn when her best friend, experiencing similar symptoms, was found to have a precancerous lesion. Reflecting on this pivotal case, Professor Frizelle remarked,
“That really brought it home to me—how it’s much more common than you think.”
Initially sceptical about the prevalence of such cases, Professor Frizelle conducted extensive research and discovered a significant increase in colorectal cancer diagnoses among individuals under 50 in New Zealand. Further studies in Sweden and Scotland revealed a similar trend, indicating a global pattern.
The TIME article explores various theories behind this rise, including lifestyle factors like diet, environmental exposures such as microplastics, and alterations in the gut microbiome. Even prenatal conditions are being considered. Researchers are employing advanced techniques, including artificial intelligence, to unravel the complex causes of this concerning trend.
Professor Frizelle’s dedication to this cause is further exemplified by his role as a leading medical advisor for Bowel Cancer New Zealand since 2015. His commitment to understanding and combating bowel cancer has been instrumental in driving research and awareness initiatives nationwide.
His commitment to understanding and combating bowel cancer has been instrumental in driving research and awareness initiatives nationwide.
We encourage everyone to read TIME Magazine’s article to gain deeper insights into this pressing issue and to join the conversation. You can find it here: The Race to Explain Why More Young Adults Are Getting Cancer