Gut Microbiota and Colorectal Cancer: Is Microbial Dysbiosis in Carcinogenesis an Emerging Risk Factor?

The gut microbiome has emerged as a critical factor in colorectal cancer (CRC) development, offering significant potential for early diagnosis and novel approaches. Current screening methods like colonoscopy and faecal immunochemical tests (FIT), while effective, face limitations in accessibility and patient compliance. Recent research has identified distinct microbial signatures associated with CRC, including elevated levels of Fusobacterium nucleatum and specific metabolic byproducts, which could serve as non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers. The integration of microbiome analysis with existing screening techniques shows promise for improving early detection rates, particularly in underserved populations. Furthermore, advances in multi-omics technologies are revealing novel mechanistic insights into how gut dysbiosis contributes to CRC progression, opening new avenues for targeted therapies and personalised prevention strategies. However, significant challenges related to standardisation and clinical implementation must be addressed to realise the full potential of these microbiome-based approaches in routine CRC care.