Doctors in recent years have noticed an alarming trend: Colorectal cancer rates among younger people have nearly doubled.

Between 1995 and 2019, colorectal cancer diagnoses increased from 11 percent to 20 percent in people under 55 years old. That’s one in five individuals.

Scientists have been working to get to the bottom of this trend and a new Cleveland Clinic study may have uncovered a major factor in this uptick: diet.

Using artificial intelligence, researchers zeroed in on the gut microbiome as an important area to explore. What they discovered was a difference in the type and amount of metabolites present in younger versus older adults.

The higher levels of metabolites in younger adults point to the likelihood that they are overeating red meat and processed meats. The study’s authors are currently examining national datasets to confirm their findings.

The study illuminates the complicated relationship between the gut microbiome, diet, metabolism, and cancer.

The researchers said young people should be cognizant of their dietary choices. And making healthy food choices is something we can all do.

The study lays the groundwork for more study on how diet and drugs respond to the treatment and prevention of colorectal cancer. Scientists hope they can create tests for measuring metabolite levels to determine whether a person is at higher risk for colorectal cancer.

While it’s easy enough to grab a burger or sub sandwich when we’re on the go, the science is clear: Avoid red and processed meat or eat them in moderation.

After all, it’s a lot easier to change one’s diet than it is to reset your microbiome.