A 12-year-old boy in Zhengzhou, Henan, China, was found to have advanced colorectal cancer after long-term habits of drinking sugary beverages as water and using high-fat, high-salt snacks such as spicy strips, instant noodles, and fried chicken as his main meals, rarely eating proper meals or fruits and vegetables. The boy recently sought medical attention for recurrent abdominal pain and rapid weight loss, and was ultimately diagnosed with late-stage colorectal cancer, leaving his family full of regret.
According to Dahe Daily, the boy, from Zhengzhou, was raised by his grandparents from a young age. Owing to their indulgence, they placed almost no restrictions on his diet; he drank carbonated beverages and milk tea almost every day, and treated snacks as staple food.
The family indicated that, in the early stages, the child repeatedly experienced abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weight loss, but they mistook it for a common gastrointestinal infection and simply bought over-the-counter medication. It wasn't until bloody stools combined with severe abdominal pain appeared that he was taken to the hospital for examination.
Tests revealed the boy had late-stage colorectal cancer, with significant ascites and multiple abdominal metastases already present, making the situation very serious and meaning that the best treatment opportunity had already been missed—a matter of deep regret for the family.
Doctors pointed out that this kind of extremely unbalanced diet can disrupt the gut microbiota over the long term, creating a chronically inflamed environment and increasing the risk of abnormal proliferation of intestinal cells.
Medical experts note that while sugary drinks and highly processed foods are not singular direct carcinogens, long-term consumption can lead to severe dietary fiber deficiency and gut dysfunction. Combined with sedentary lifestyle and staying up late, such habits significantly increase the risk of intestinal disease.
Some specialists also warn that for such young patients, it is necessary to further investigate the possibility of hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes, as an unhealthy diet may accelerate malignant changes in the presence of underlying genetic defects.
The report notes that, in recent years, colorectal cancer has become more common among younger people, with the proportion of patients under 35 rising to 12.7%, and even younger cases emerging. Doctors advise that if there is persistent blood in the stool (dark red mixed with mucus), sudden changes in bowel habits, or significant weight loss over a short period, one should seek medical attention promptly for examination.