Bowel Cancer Deaths In Young Adults linked to Overweight and obesity – Overweight and obesity are fueling a worrisome trend: rising death rates from bowel cancer among young adults (25-49 years) in Europe and the UK, even while overall bowel cancer deaths fall. This concerning finding comes from a new study published in the prestigious cancer journal Annals of Oncology, which predicts cancer death rates for 2024 across the region.
Overweight and obesity have been linked to rising death rates from bowel cancer among young adults. Several studies and experts have highlighted the association between obesity and early-onset colorectal cancer. Factors such as sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diets, and reduced physical activity have also been identified as contributors to the increasing rates of bowel cancer among younger generations. According to a study, being overweight or obese may raise the chance of getting early-onset colorectal cancer, with half of younger adults with colorectal cancer being overweight and 17% obese.
Additionally, a nationally representative study spanning 20 years found that obesity was associated with colorectal cancer in younger, but not in older adults.
The World Cancer Research Fund and experts have expressed concerns about the impact of early exposure to risk factors such as overweight and obesity on the rising rates of colorectal cancer among young people.
Therefore, there is strong evidence to support the link between overweight, obesity, and the increasing death rates from bowel cancer among young adults.
Key Points:
- Young adults in UK hit hardest: The UK will see the highest increase in bowel cancer deaths among young adults, with rates projected to jump 26% for men and nearly 39% for women compared to 2018.
- Other affected countries: Italy, Spain, Poland, and Germany will also see increases, though smaller.
- Overall decline continues: Despite the trend in young adults, overall bowel cancer deaths are predicted to fall by 5% for men and 9% for women in Europe, and by 3% for men in the UK (stable for women).
- Obesity and lifestyle blamed: The study attributes the rise in young adults to factors like overweight, obesity, and related health conditions (e.g., high blood sugar). Increased alcohol consumption and reduced physical activity are also implicated.
Professor Carlo La Vecchia, lead researcher:
- “Key factors contributing to the rise include overweight, obesity, and related health conditions.”
- “Early-onset bowel cancer is more aggressive with lower survival rates compared to older patients.”
- “Governments should prioritize policies promoting healthy lifestyles and reducing alcohol consumption.”
- “Consider extending bowel cancer screening to younger ages (45) as seen in the US.”
The study analyzed data from 27 EU countries and the UK, looking at death rates for various cancers.
Other key findings:
- All cancers: Overall death rates from all cancers are predicted to fall in both men and women across Europe and the UK. However, the rising number of elderly will still lead to an increase in the total number of deaths.
- Lung cancer: Remains the biggest killer for both sexes, but death rates are falling for men. No decline in women.
- Breast cancer: Death rates continue to improve in Europe and the UK.
- Pancreatic cancer: The only major cancer with no predicted improvement in death rates for either sex in Europe (UK shows decline).
Professor La Vecchia concludes:
- “Controlling tobacco use remains crucial, as it’s responsible for 25% of male and 15% of female cancer deaths in Europe.”
- “Addressing excessive alcohol consumption in central and northern Europe is another key challenge.”
- “Closing gaps in cancer diagnosis and treatment between European countries is vital.”
This study highlights the need for urgent action to address rising cancer rates in young adults and promote healthier lifestyles across Europe. By tackling obesity, alcohol consumption, and improving access to early diagnosis and treatment, we can hope to reverse this concerning trend and save lives.
What are the risk factors for bowel cancer
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, has several risk factors, including age, genetics, and lifestyle factors. The risk factors for bowel cancer include:/
- Age: The risk of developing bowel cancer increases as you get older.
- Genetics: People with a family history of bowel cancer or certain genetic syndromes, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), have an increased risk of developing bowel cancer.
- Lifestyle factors: Several lifestyle factors can increase the risk of bowel cancer, including Being overweight or obese, Lack of regular physical activity, A diet low in fruits and vegetables, a low-fiber and high-fat diet, or a diet high in processed meats, Alcohol consumption, and Tobacco use.
Medical conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, and previous cancer can also increase the risk of bowel cancer. However, having one or more risk factors does not necessarily mean that you will develop bowel cancer. It is essential to talk to your doctor about your risk factors and screening options[1].
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