Cancer experts are clamouring to find an explanation for the grim, growing trend of rising cancer rates among young people. Gastrointestinal cancers — including bowel, colon, colorectal, appendix, bile duct, and pancreatic cancers — are the fastest-rising types of cancer.
“Traditionally considered diseases of older populations, these cancers are now becoming more prevalent in individuals under 50, prompting an urgent need to understand the reasons behind this shift,” says Dr Deepak Koppaka, Senior Medical Oncologist, Care Hospitals.
Several factors may have contributed to this shift, says Dr Nagendra Parvataneni, Senior Consultant & Head of the Department Surgical Oncology, KIMS Hospitals.
“We’re seeing more and more younger populations with different types of cancer. There are several reasons for this, like change in lifestyle patterns, increase in obesity rates, poor diet, lack of proper exercise, and lastly, increased environmental pollution,” says Dr Nagendra.
Other risk factors are genetic or familial, frequent infection rates, and hormonal changes. “You can also include a lack of proper health awareness, as well as social and economic factors, as risk factors, especially in developing nations. The surge in gastrointestinal cancers is mainly due to the combination of risk factors mentioned above,” says Dr Nagendra.
Risk factors
The increase in early cancers is thought to be caused by toxins and diets heavy in ultra-processed foods.
“In addition, stomach cancers are more common in individuals who eat a poor diet high in processed foods and low in fruits and vegetables,” says Dr Nagendra, adding, “They are also common in individuals with Helicobacter pyloric infection, resulting in consumption of a poor diet that is high in processed foods, spicy food, and low in fruits and vegetables. Smoking and alcohol are the additional risk factors.”
Unhealthy diets, obesity, and environmental factors are also associated with appendix cancers, he says. “Colorectal cancers are common in individuals who consume unhealthy foods and a diet low in fibre content. Genetic factors also play an important role in colorectal cancer incidence. It is important to focus on prevention, early detection, and effective treatment for this growing concern,” says Dr Nagendra.
Symptoms
Fatigue, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, chronic changes in bowel habits, and stomach pain are common signs. Unfortunately, people often mistake these symptoms for less severe conditions, which delays the diagnosis, according to Dr Koppaka.
Preventive strategies
Focus on promoting healthier lifestyles, including balanced diets rich in fibre, regular exercise, and reducing processed food intake.
“Awareness campaigns encouraging routine screenings, even for younger populations, could facilitate earlier detection,” says Dr Deepak.
Treatment
“Immunotherapy and targeted therapies are also emerging as promising options, particularly for more advanced cases. Early detection and intervention are critical to improving outcomes for young patients, underscoring the need for heightened awareness and regular screenings. Further research is essential to understand the underlying causes of this troubling trend,” adds Dr Deepak.
