Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, has long been associated with older populations. However, recent research published in The Lancet Oncology has highlighted a worrying trend: the number of under-50s being diagnosed with bowel cancer is rising worldwide. This includes a particularly sharp increase in England, which ranks among the countries with the fastest-growing rates.
Credit: The Lancet Oncology, bowel cancer.
A Global Phenomenon
The study analysed data from 50 countries and found that bowel cancer rates in young adults (aged 25 to 49) increased in 27 of these nations over the past decade. The highest annual increases were observed in:
- New Zealand: 4%
- Chile: 4%
- Puerto Rico: 3.8%
- England: 3.6%
This trend spans continents, from Europe and North America to Asia and Oceania, signalling a global health challenge.
Potential Causes
While the exact reasons for this increase remain unclear, researchers have pointed to lifestyle factors as likely contributors. These include:
- Dietary habits: Increased consumption of ultra-processed and junk food.
- Physical inactivity: Sedentary lifestyles are becoming more prevalent globally.
- Obesity: Rising rates of obesity are strongly linked to colorectal cancer.
Hyuna Sung, senior principal scientist at the American Cancer Society and lead author of the study, noted, “The increase in early-onset colorectal cancer is a global phenomenon … innovative tools to prevent and control cancers linked to dietary habits, physical inactivity, and excess body weight are urgently needed.”
Why This Matters
Bowel cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, accounting for over 1.9 million new cases and nearly 904,000 deaths in 2022 alone. Traditionally, rates among older adults have been stabilising or declining due to improved screening and awareness. However, the rise in the number of younger adults threatens to reverse this progress.
Gender Disparities
Interestingly, young women in several countries, including England, Norway, and Australia, are experiencing faster increases in bowel cancer rates than men. This gender disparity underscores the need for targeted research to understand the underlying causes.
The Importance of Early Detection
Early diagnosis is critical for improving outcomes in bowel cancer. Common symptoms include:
- Rectal bleeding
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Altered bowel habits
- Unexplained weight loss
Raising awareness among young people and healthcare providers can help reduce delays in diagnosis and improve survival rates.
Limitations and Future Research
The study’s findings are based on data up to 2017 and may not fully reflect current trends. Additionally, variations in data quality across countries make direct comparisons challenging. Nonetheless, the research provides a crucial starting point for addressing this emerging health crisis.
What Can Be Done?
Efforts to combat the rise in early-onset bowel cancer should focus on:
- Public Awareness: Campaigns to educate young people about symptoms and risk factors.
- Lifestyle Changes: Promoting healthy diets, regular exercise, and weight management.
- Research: Investigating genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors contributing to the trend.
- Policy Interventions: Implement strategies to reduce unhealthy food access and encourage physical activity.
A Call to Action
While bowel cancer rates among young adults remain low compared to older populations, the rising trend is alarming. By addressing the factors driving this increase and improving early detection, we can work to reverse this worrying trajectory. As Michelle Mitchell, CEO of Cancer Research UK, aptly stated, “A cancer diagnosis at any age has a huge impact on patients and their families.”
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Reference: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(24)00600-4/fulltext