Author photo, Getty Images
Eleven types of cancer are increasingly being diagnosed in young people, researchers have concluded after a large-scale analysis of data in England.
There is no universal cause of this phenomenon. One compelling clue, however, is excess weight.
In recent decades, the number of people with excess body weight has increased markedly, and it is this factor, probably, partially explains the situation, although it does not give a complete picture.
At the same time, experts from the Institute of Cancer Research and Imperial College London note: despite alarming trends, cancer at a young age remains relatively rare. And the risks can be reduced – primarily through a healthy lifestyle.
Alarming statistics
The rise in cancer diagnoses among teenagers and people in their 20s and 40s is already worrying scientists.
According to statistics – real fates. One is the story of Bradley Coombs, a 23-year-old British man from Portsmouth, who died of bowel cancer.
His mother, Caroline Mousdale, recalls: despite numerous alarming symptoms, doctors did not take them seriously for a long time – they thought he was too young for such a diagnosis.
Author photo, Caroline Mousdale
According to his mother, Bradley was “a healthy and physically fit young man”. He was preparing to sign a contract with a football club, making plans and enjoying life – nothing indicated an increased risk of cancer.
However, after his first year at university, he began to lose weight rapidly and suffered abdominal pain. Later, diarrhoea and blood in his faeces.
Photo by Caroline Mousdale
Diagnosis was established only after a year and a half. At that point, the tumour was already so large that during the colonoscopy, the camera could not pass further.
Surgery and chemotherapy did not bring results. Bradley died – with his dog Buster by his side.
“I, like any mother, believed he would fulfil his football dreams and live a long, happy life. But that was taken away from him – because the cancer wasn’t detected in time,” Caroline said.
Author photo, John Angerson
What types of cancer are “young”
Determining exactly why a particular person got cancer is almost impossible. However, scientists have tried to see the picture – compared the statistics of the disease with lifestyle changes.
It turned out that the number of cases of several types of cancer is increasing:
Among young people, bowel and breast cancer are most often diagnosed. At the same time, some types, such as pancreatic or gallbladder cancer, remain rare.
Interestingly, only bowel and ovarian cancers show an increase among young people. The other types of cancer are increasing in older age groups as well.
Researchers from the Institute of Cancer Research and Imperial College London checked the usual risk factors long associated with cancer – smoking, alcohol, physical activity, diet (including red and processed meat, lack of fibre).
And it turns out: these have either improved or at least not gotten worse in recent years.
That is, people on average haven’t started smoking more or eating worse – but the number of cancer cases is still rising.
This means that these factors do affect cancer risk, but cannot explain the overall increase in incidence, particularly among young people.
Overweight
The only thing that has clearly coincided with the rise in cancer is the increase in the number of overweight and obese people since the 1990s.
Excess fatty tissue affects hormone balance – particularly insulin levels. And this, in turn, can increase the risk of cancer.
However, even this explanation is not complete.
For example, in relation to bowel cancer, scientists suggest:
It is possible to prevent cancer
“It is very worrying to hear the news that cancer among the young is on the rise,” Professor Monser told the BBC.
At the same time, she emphasised: it is still possible to reduce the risk.
It is estimated that almost 40 per cent of cancers are linked to factors we can influence.
Among the key recommendations:
Even without fully understanding the causes, these basic steps remain a risk-reduction strategy.
How common cancer is in young people
Researchers also remind us: while the number of diagnoses among young people is increasing, the rates remain significantly lower compared to older age groups.
Approximate:
The difference is tenfold.
At the same time, the search for other possible reasons for the “rejuvenation” of oncology continues.
Professor Markgünter of Imperial College London notes that among the hypotheses are ultra-processed foods, so-called “perpetual chemicals” (PFAS) and frequent use of antibiotics.
But, he says, “there’s still a lot we don’t know.”
Other possible factors also considered include sugary drinks, chronic inflammation, air pollution, gut microflora and the effects of herbicides.
Separately, they also consider the possibility that the rise in diagnoses is actually partly due to the fact that cancer is now better and earlier detected – including in younger patients.
The results of the study are published in the journal BMJ Oncology.