Rising Cases of Early-Onset Cancer and Deaths Among Young People Highlight Alarming Trend, Research Shows
In recent years, there has been a concerning increase in the number of early-onset cancer cases and deaths among young people worldwide. According to research, global cases of early-onset cancer have risen from under 2 million in 1990 to over 3 million in 2019. Additionally, deaths among individuals in their 30s and 40s from cancer have grown by 27 percent. Shockingly, more than a million individuals under the age of 50 die from cancer every year.
One particular study found that people born in the early 1990s are four times more likely to develop rectal cancer compared to those born 40 years earlier. The study attributes this increase to higher sugar consumption, specifically sweetened drinks. This alarming trend was further highlighted by the tragic death of actor Chadwick Boseman, known for his role as T’Challa in the movie “Black Panther.” Boseman passed away from colon cancer at the age of 43, having been diagnosed with the illness four years prior.
Colorectal cancer, in particular, has seen a drastic rise in cases. The American Cancer Society (ACS) reported that in 2019, 20 percent of all colorectal cancer diagnoses were in patients under the age of 55, indicating a doubling of the diagnosis rate since 1995. Furthermore, a report from the ACS projected that colorectal cancer will become the leading cause of death in men under 50 and the second leading cause among women of the same age by 2024. This is a significant increase compared to 20 years ago when it was the fourth leading cause.
Experts and researchers are working tirelessly to understand the reasons behind this surge in cancer diagnoses among young people. Dr. Ashley Cheng Chi-kin, clinical director of oncology at CUHK Medical Centre, states that this is a global phenomenon and finding the underlying causes is a top priority for researchers. While increased cancer screening may partially explain the rise in diagnoses, other factors such as diet, lifestyle, weight, environmental exposure, and the microbiome have also been suggested as potential explanations.
Hong Kong, like many other regions, has witnessed a rise in cancer cases among young individuals. In 2021 alone, there were 38,462 new cancer cases reported in Hong Kong, averaging to 105 new diagnoses every day. The most frequently diagnosed cancers were lung, breast, prostate, liver, and colorectal cancer. These five types accounted for nearly 58 percent of all new diagnoses in the region.
Doctors at the Yale Medicine Colon & Rectal Surgery have also observed an increase in colorectal cancer cases among young patients. In a single week, they diagnosed seven patients with this type of cancer, with ages ranging from 18 to 38. One patient had ignored rectal bleeding, attributing it to hemorrhoids. The reasons behind the rising cancer numbers in young people remain uncertain.
Several factors have been identified as potential contributors to the increase in cancer cases among young individuals. High levels of physical activity have been shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer by almost 20 percent compared to those who do not exercise. On the other hand, a diet consisting of ultra-processed foods with low fiber content can exacerbate the problem. Studies have found that a 10 percent increase in the consumption of ultra-processed foods is linked to a greater than 10 percent risk of overall cancers.
Ultra-processed foods often contain high levels of salt, which can increase the risk of gastric cancer. Additionally, these foods lack dietary fiber, which not only protects against gut-related cancers but also reduces the risk of breast cancer in women. Moreover, sugar has been linked to cancer development as it stimulates insulin production and high insulin levels in the blood can promote the growth of cancer cells. Obesity, which can be caused by excessive sugar consumption, also increases the risk of various cancers.
Despite the rise in colorectal cancer cases among young individuals, routine colonoscopies are not yet recommended due to the low incidence rate. However, individuals of all ages should be mindful of their family medical history as many cancers have a genetic link. It is crucial to pay attention to any changes in the body or bowel movements. Rectal bleeding should not be assumed to be hemorrhoids, and persistent constipation or diarrhea should not be ignored. Any bowel changes that persist for more than two weeks should be promptly addressed.
The late UK cancer campaigner Dame Deborah James, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer at the age of 35 and passed away at 40, urged everyone to be vigilant. She advised individuals to examine their fecal matter in the toilet bowl and seek medical attention if they notice dark or black stools, narrow or thin stools, or any other abnormal changes.
In conclusion, the rising cases of early-onset cancer and deaths among young people are a cause for concern globally. Encouraging a healthy
