James Van Der Beek’s death last week at just 48 shocked fans, reignited fears about a disease we still associate with old age. Cases of bowel cancer are rising in those under 50, even as rates fall among the elderly. To find out why, researchers are turning to a century of preserved samples.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest:

Ben Spencer, science editor, The Sunday Times
Professor Trevor Graham, director, Centre for Evolution and Cancer
Holly Masters, cancer patient

Host: Manveen Rana

Producer: Julia Webster, Sophie McNulty

We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com

Read more: Bowel cancer has doubled in under-50s: do the reasons lie in birth?

Further listening: Why are more young people getting cancer?

Photo: Getty.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why are more young people getting bowel cancer?

The Story