Cancer on the rise in younger people

As we age, the risk of developing cancer increases, especially for those over 60. However, there's been a concerning uptick in gastrointestinal cancers, particularly colorectal cancer, among individuals under 50. In fact, early-onset colorectal cancer has emerged as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and the second leading cause in women in the U.S. While the reasons behind this trend remain somewhat of a mystery, a recent review in the British Journal of Surgery points to several potential culprits, including obesity, Western dietary patterns, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and even exposure to microplastics.

Additionally, a study published in Nature Medicine warns that if we don't take action soon, we could see 15.6 million new cases of gastric cancer in the coming years, primarily due to infections from the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. The National Institutes of Health highlights that more than 1 in 100 people over 60 are diagnosed with cancer. Alarmingly, there was a 14.8% rise in early-onset colorectal cancers in the U.S. between 2010 and 2019, a trend that's being observed worldwide.

The review also notes that many patients diagnosed with early-onset colorectal cancer aren't necessarily obese or have a family history of the disease, suggesting that environmental, lifestyle, and dietary factors are likely influencing this increase. For instance, Dr. Anton Bilchik, a surgical oncologist, points out that processed foods, a lack of physical activity, and stress can negatively impact gut bacteria and the immune system, leading to inflammation associated with early-onset cancers.

Research indicates that individuals born in 1990 are more than twice as likely to develop colon cancer and four times more likely to face rectal cancer compared to those born in 1950. In Europe, colorectal cancer rates are also climbing, particularly among those aged 20 to 39. The CDC reports a shocking 333% increase in colorectal cancer among teenagers aged 15-19, and an 185% rise among those aged 20-24.

Reference

by Katharine Lang Why are colorectal, other GI cancers on the rise in younger people?

.medicalnewstoday.com Available at-https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/why-are-colorectal-other-gi-cancers-on-the-rise-in-younger-people

(Assessed: 17th July 2025)