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Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the third most common cancer worldwide, with nearly 2 million diagnoses annually. Traditionally, those over 50 have accounted for the majority of cases, but recent trends show an alarming rise in diagnoses among younger individuals, sparking concern among health experts.
A 2019 study highlighted that while bowel cancer rates have begun to stabilize or even decline in those over 50, thanks to successful screening programs, the incidence of the disease has significantly increased in people under 50. This trend has been observed across a range of countries, including Norway, where individuals born in 1990 have a fivefold higher risk of developing rectal cancer compared to those born in 1920.
More recently, a global study spanning 50 countries confirmed that rising rates of bowel cancer in younger individuals are being observed worldwide. This increase is particularly prominent in regions like Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia.
While the exact causes behind this surge remain unclear, experts suspect that modern, unhealthy lifestyles may play a significant role.
Preventable Causes and Lifestyle Factors
For decades, researchers have known that lifestyle and environmental factors contribute to the development of bowel cancer. A 1968 study comparing Japanese-Americans to native Japanese populations revealed that ethnic Japanese living in the U.S. had higher rates of bowel cancer, likely due to the adoption of a Westernized lifestyle. This pattern has since been confirmed by numerous studies linking factors like physical inactivity, a low-fiber diet, excessive fat intake, high consumption of red or processed meats, obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption to an increased risk of the disease.
In the UK, Cancer Research UK estimates that over half of bowel cancer cases are caused by preventable factors. Meanwhile, Japan, once known for its low rates of bowel cancer, now has one of the highest rates in the world, following rapid economic development and the spread of a Western-style diet.
Additionally, the worldwide obesity crisis, with an estimated 2.2 billion people overweight and 890 million obese, is a key concern. The rising rates of obesity, particularly among children and adolescents, are troubling as metabolic changes linked to obesity, such as inflammation and hormonal imbalances, can accelerate cancer development. Obesity is also associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, which further raises the likelihood of bowel cancer.
The Role of Gut Health
Diet also significantly influences gut health. A Western-style diet has been shown to disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome, creating a state of dysbiosis that can facilitate the growth of harmful bacteria while suppressing beneficial microbes. Research suggests that this imbalance may be particularly significant for younger individuals and could explain the rise in bowel cancer cases among those under 50.
Late Diagnosis in Younger People
One of the challenges with bowel cancer in younger individuals is late diagnosis. Screening programs typically focus on those over 50, which means the disease is often not detected until it’s at a more advanced stage in younger patients. Additionally, a survey by Bowel Cancer UK revealed that both younger patients and their doctors are often unaware of the symptoms of bowel cancer in people under 50.
Symptoms to watch for include abdominal pain, blood in stools, changes in bowel habits, and unexplained weight loss. While these symptoms can be linked to other conditions, early detection of bowel cancer is crucial for better outcomes.
Prevention and Awareness
To reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer, adopting a healthy lifestyle is essential. Experts recommend eating a balanced diet rich in fiber, limiting the intake of ultra-processed foods and alcohol, avoiding smoking, and maintaining regular physical activity.
With rising rates of bowel cancer among younger people, it’s vital to raise awareness of the disease’s symptoms and the lifestyle factors that contribute to its development. Early detection and prevention could save lives and curb the growing trend of bowel cancer in younger generations.
