Not too young for cancer

Cancer, traditionally a disease associated with older age, is increasingly affecting younger individuals. The incidence of cancer among people aged 15 to 39 has surged by 40% since 1975, causing alarm within the medical community. This trend raises crucial questions about the underlying causes and necessitates urgent investigation to address this growing public health concern.

The Global Surge in Cancer Rates

The rise in cancer rates among young people is a global phenomenon, with particularly high increases observed in countries with a Western lifestyle. Nations such as the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and parts of Europe are seeing significant upticks in cancer cases. These countries share common lifestyle characteristics, including high consumption of ultra-processed foods, sedentary behavior, and poor sleep patterns. These factors may contribute to the increased cancer incidence by creating an environment conducive to cancer development. For instance, the high intake of processed foods and low fiber consumption, combined with a lack of physical activity and irregular sleep, can lead to various health issues that increase cancer risk.

Rising Cancer Types Among Youth

Among the cancers on the rise, fourteen types are notably increasing in young people. These include breast cancer, colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, esophageal cancer, bile duct cancer, gallbladder cancer, head and neck cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, bone marrow cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, stomach cancer, and thyroid cancer. The prevalence of these cancers in individuals under 50 is particularly concerning. Many young cancer patients, despite leading active and seemingly healthy lives, are being diagnosed with these aggressive diseases. Mia de Graaf, a health editor, shares her experience of being diagnosed with Stage 3 rectal cancer at 35, despite her active lifestyle and healthy diet. Such cases underscore the severity and unpredictability of this trend, as even those who appear healthy are increasingly falling victim to severe cancers.

The Colorectal Cancer Crisis

Colorectal cancer is one of the most alarming trends in young cancer cases. A person born in 1990 faces a fourfold increase in the risk of developing colorectal cancer compared to someone born in 1950. Projections indicate that by 2030, colorectal cancer will become the leading cause of cancer death among young people, surpassing breast cancer. This increase is partly due to the stigma surrounding colorectal cancer, which often leads to late diagnoses when the disease is more advanced. Efforts to combat this stigma and raise awareness about the disease are crucial to improving early detection and treatment outcomes.

Contributing Factors to the Rise

Several factors are believed to contribute to the increase in cancer rates among young people. For instance, the modern diet, characterized by high consumption of red meat, sugar, and alcohol, and low intake of fiber, is linked to an increased risk of cancer. The prevalence of processed foods, high in calories but low in essential nutrients, contributes to obesity, a known risk factor for cancer. Poor dietary habits are thus a significant concern in the rise of cancer among young people. Sedentary lifestyles and poor sleep patterns also exacerbate inflammation and contribute to cancer risk. Modern lifestyles often involve long periods of inactivity and irregular sleep, which disrupt the body's natural rhythms and can increase cancer susceptibility. The rise in night-shift work and late-night activities further complicates the issue, highlighting the need for better sleep hygiene and increased physical activity.

Exposure to microplastics, toxins, and pollution is suspected to play a role in the increasing cancer rates. Although measuring the impact of environmental factors is challenging, there is concern that modern exposure to chemicals and pollutants contributes to the rise in cancer cases among young people. Emerging research suggests that increased height might be linked to a marginally higher cancer risk due to more cells in the body and increased cell division. Additionally, studies have shown that being born via C-section may increase the risk of certain cancers, such as colorectal cancer and leukemia, possibly due to differences in microbiome development.

Addressing the Crisis

To address the rise in cancer among young people, a multifaceted approach is needed. Research is crucial to understanding the underlying causes and developing effective interventions. While individual lifestyle changes—such as improved diet, increased physical activity, and better sleep—are important, societal changes are also necessary. Creating walkable cities, improving access to fresh foods, and reducing environmental toxins are essential steps in combating this issue. Advancements in cancer treatments and prevention offer hope. Vaccines, such as the HPV vaccine, have significantly reduced mortality from certain cancers, and progress is being made in other areas of cancer prevention and treatment. Nonetheless, the sharp increase in cancer rates among young people underscores the need for continued research and proactive public health strategies. The growing attention and investment in this area provide optimism that we can reverse this troubling trend and improve health outcomes for future generations.