With cancer diagnoses in young people on the rise globally, raising awareness about symptoms, family history and differences in treatment approaches for adolescents and young adults is crucial, according to an expert from the Cleveland Clinic global health system, in the framework of World Cancer Day.
Global cancer cases in people under 50 increased by 79% between 1990 and 2019, according to recent research published by the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom.
The study also reveals that cancer deaths in this population grew by more than 27%, estimating that there are now more than 1 million people under the age of 50 dying from cancer each year. Read: Lung cancer is once again the most common in the world and is the deadliest
Cancers of the breast, trachea, lung, intestine and stomach are responsible for the majority of these deaths.
“Cleveland Clinic and other institutes worldwide are conducting research into why the incidence of cancer in young people is increasing significantly, and we believe the cause is due to multiple factors,” says cancer surgeon Dr. David Liska. colorectal who leads a multidisciplinary program to improve treatment approaches and outcomes for adolescent and young adult (AYA) and early-onset cancer patients at Cleveland Clinic.
“Researchers have observed an effect on birth cohorts, showing that people born in each decade since the 1950s have a higher incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer than those born in previous decades. “This indicates that shared exposures to certain factors in the environment could be raising your risk, whether due to changes in eating habits, use of chemicals, or any other number of factors,” explains Dr. Liska, who is also director of the Cleveland Clinic Early Start Colorectal Cancer Center. Read: WHO predicts an increase in cancer cases by 77% by 2050
He adds: “Interestingly, we have discovered differences in the gut microbiome, metabolome, and tumor immune microenvironment between younger and older people with the same types of cancer. Another consideration is that individual risk factors for cancer, such as obesity and leading a sedentary lifestyle, are increasingly prevalent in this age group, and therefore are likely contributing to the problem.”
Dr Liska’s advice to young people focuses on prevention, early diagnosis and ensuring treatment is managed by an experienced multidisciplinary team.
“In terms of prevention, we recommend leading a healthy lifestyle, incorporating a balanced diet and exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol use,” says Dr. Liska. “Early diagnosis is also important, as the earlier the cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome. People should never ignore persistent symptoms of any kind, but rather report them to a doctor. “They should also discuss their family history of cancer with their doctor, who can then advise on the optimal timing and frequency of cancer screening, and whether they might be candidates for genetic testing.”
When it comes to seeking treatment, Dr. Liska says a personalized approach is needed in younger patients, as the biology of cancers, as well as the psychosocial and long-term implications of treatment, are different compared to older patient populations. .
Dr. Liska explains that at Cleveland Clinic, a large team of experts works closely with oncologists and surgeons to ensure that all the needs of young patients are met.
“There are unique factors that younger patients face in their stage of life; For example, they might want to start a family, in which case it is important to consult a fertility preservation specialist. Other young people may have children and/or care for elderly parents, so the transition from becoming a primary caregiver to a person in need of care can be difficult financially and socially, at which point psychologists and social workers would be involved. Younger patients also benefit from advice from wellness experts who can work with them to modify their diet, exercise, and other lifestyle habits to support treatment, avoid complications related to cancer or treatment, and reduce the risk of the cancer returns,” he details.
“Finding a multidisciplinary team specialized in the treatment of young cancer patients is important, as the quality of the treatment received can have a significant impact on the results, not only in terms of the patient’s survival but also on their quality of life afterwards. of the treatment,” says Dr. Liska.
2024-02-05 23:54:17
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