Bowel Cancer rise in young adults in England « Euro Weekly News

Bowel cancer, traditionally associated with older age groups, is now on the rise among younger adults in England, with a concerning annual increase of 3.6% over the past decade.

This surge, highlighted in a global study published in The Lancet Oncology, places England among the nations with the steepest rise in early-onset bowel cancer rates.

Surging rates of bowel cancer in young adults: A global health concern

According to the study, which examined data from 50 countries, early-onset bowel cancer (ages 25-49) is increasing worldwide. However, England is one of the hotspots, alongside Chile, New Zealand, and Puerto Rico. Key findings include:

• Gender disparities: Young women in England, Norway, and Australia are experiencing faster increases in bowel cancer rates than their male counterparts.
• Contrasting trends: While rates rise in younger adults, they remain stable or decline in older age groups, thanks to effective screening programmes.
• Global spread: Once considered a Western high-income issue, the rise in bowel cancer has expanded to nations like Argentina, Israel, and Turkey.

Exploring causes: Diet, lifestyle, and early detection

Experts are delving into the reasons behind this troubling trend. Factors such as poor diet, rising consumption of ultra-processed foods, obesity, and physical inactivity are believed to play significant roles. Dr Hyuna Sung of the American Cancer Society emphasised the need for innovative cancer prevention strategies tied to dietary habits and lifestyle changes.

Other contributing factors may include:

• Improved detection: Better diagnostic tools may be identifying cases earlier.
• Delayed awareness: Symptoms like rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and altered bowel habits often go unnoticed or are misattributed by young patients.

Michelle Mitchell, CEO of Cancer Research UK, called the findings “concerning” and stressed the importance of understanding why these rates are increasing more rapidly in England compared to other nations.

Looking Forward: The Call for Action

Despite the surge, bowel cancer remains relatively rare among younger adults, accounting for only one in 20 cases in the UK. However, data from Cancer Research UK shows a 52% increase in incidence rates for those aged 25-49 since the 1990s.

Key recommendations include:

• Raising awareness: Educating young people and primary care providers about early symptoms.
• Global research: Studies like Prospect, led by US-based researchers, are investigating the rise in younger adults globally.
• Prevention strategies: A focus on healthy eating, regular exercise, and reducing processed food intake.

Final thoughts on rising bowel cancer cases in young adults

With around 2,600 cases diagnosed annually in the UK among those under 50, the issue demands attention. As Michelle Mitchell noted, “A cancer diagnosis at any age has a profound impact.” By tackling root causes and promoting early detection, health authorities can work to reverse this concerning trend.

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