13 June 2024 , 13:50
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A physician has issued an urgent advisory as instances of a lethal cancer are significantly ascending amongst the young population.
Studies have illustrated a sharp increase in bowel cancer rates among individuals aged between 20 to 49, with 20-somethings being the most affected. Bowel cancer is the second prevalent form of the disease in the UK, accounting for approximately 44,000 cases annually and resulting in 17,000 deaths.
However, experts are now particularly concerned about its impact on the younger demographic, worrying that the situation might further deteriorate. A doctor has spoken of how a few key factors triggering this spike include: modifications in diet and processed foods, sedentary lifestyles, obesity, genetic components, and late or inaccurate diagnosis.
Doctor Haney Youssef, a bowel cancer specialist and colorectal surgeon at The Harborne Hospital in Birmingham, told MailOnline: "The modern diet, particularly in Western countries, has seen a significant increase in the consumption of processed and fast foods. These foods are often high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and additives, while being low in fibre. A diet low in fibre and high in processed foods can contribute to the development of bowel cancer."
He continued to state that younger generations might be more prone to purchasing these types of food, also noting they lack fibre - an essential component for a nutritious diet, reports the Express. As per Cancer Research UK (CRUK), fibre aids in maintaining regularity, allowing harmful chemicals to pass through the bowel.
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Processed meats like sausages, bacon, salami, chorizo, ham, and hot dogs, known for their curing, smoking, or salting techniques, are linked to a higher cancer risk. Dr Youssef has also raised concerns about the growing trend of sedentary lifestyles. According to Cancer Research UK (CRUK), staying active significantly lowers your risk of bowel cancer.
He explained: "With the rise of digital technology and changes in work and leisure activities, sedentary lifestyles have become more common. Many young people spend long hours sitting, whether at a desk, in front of a computer, or using mobile devices. Lack of physical activity is a known risk factor for bowel cancer, as regular exercise helps maintain a healthy digestive system and overall wellbeing."
The NHS advises engaging in at least 150 minutes of exercise weekly. Besides inactivity, obesity is another major risk factor for bowel cancer. It's also the second leading cause of all cancers in the UK. Dr Youssef added: "Obesity rates have been climbing globally, and younger age groups are not immune to this trend.
"Excess body fat can lead to inflammation and changes in hormone levels, which may promote cancer development. The rising prevalence of obesity in younger individuals is a contributing factor to the increased incidence of bowel cancer in this demographic." However, it's not just diet and exercise; genetics also play a role in increasing your risk of the disease.
Dr Youssef added: "Research has not unveiled a conclusive connection between genetics and the increase in diagnosis however, having a first degree relative under 50 who has had bowel cancer could suggest a higher risk for younger people. While most cases of bowel cancer are sporadic, a portion of younger patients may have a genetic predisposition to the disease.
"Conditions such as Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) significantly increase the risk of developing bowel cancer at a young age however, this only accounts for five percent of all bowel cancer cases." He also highlighted some key symptoms of bowel cancer to look out for: "Symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and rectal bleeding can be attributed to less serious conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or haemorrhoids.
"For a small minority, this delay in accurate diagnosis allows the cancer to progress to more advanced stages before it is detected. By addressing the controllable factors, such as dietary habits, promoting physical activity, and managing obesity, individuals can help reduce their risk of bowel cancer."
The NHS lists the main symptoms of bowel cancer as:
- Changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you
- Needing to poo more or less often than usual for you
- Blood in your poo, which may look red or black
- Bleeding from your bottom
- Often feeling like you need to poo, even if you've just been to the toilet
- Tummy pain
- A lump in your tummy
- Bloating
- Losing weight without trying
- Feeling very tired for no reason.
Doctor Youssef concluded by saying: "Younger people are more aware of the importance of getting medical advice for symptoms such as ongoing bowel habit changes and rectal bleeding. As a result, this could be having a knock-on effect on the number of younger people getting diagnosed."