The rates of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are on the rise among young adults, with a recent peer-reviewed study suggesting that the American diet and lifestyle are the main factors behind this trend.
The increased risk in younger generations is likely more associated with environmental factors rather than genetics, as per a report published in the British Journal of Surgery.
“Some common risk factors for early-onset (EO) GI cancer include obesity, sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking,” said lead researcher Sara Char, M.D., at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.
The study highlights that recent generations are more inclined towards adopting a “Western-pattern diet” and a sedentary lifestyle.
While colorectal cancer is the most prevalent type of early-onset GI cancer, other types such as pancreatic, esophageal, gastric, biliary, appendiceal, and neuroendocrine cancers are also on the rise in adults under 50, according to Char.
Individuals born in 1990 have double the risk of colon cancer and four times the risk of rectal cancer compared to those born in 1950, as indicated by a previous study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
How diet impacts risk
Dr. Paul Oberstein, director of the Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology Program at NYU Langone’s Perlmutter Cancer Center, mentioned that a person’s diet can indeed influence the risk of colon cancer.
“Previous studies suggest that individuals consuming a Western diet are at a higher risk of colon cancer,” stated Oberstein.
A Western diet typically includes higher consumption of red and processed meats, processed and added sugars, as well as highly processed and refined grains.
Processed deli meats, sugary drinks, and processed grain snacks are commonly associated with this type of diet.
Research and recommendations
While the incidence of colon cancer in this age group remains low, Dr. Oberstein recommends further research to identify the factors contributing to the increase.
“We need more research to determine if diet, vitamin supplements, alcohol, or other factors are playing a role in this rise,” he emphasized.
Dr. Oberstein also stressed the importance of adhering to the recommended colon cancer screening guidelines, starting at 45 years old for most individuals, and seeking medical attention if any symptoms arise.
Common symptoms to watch out for include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, unexplained back or abdominal pain, or unintentional weight loss, all of which warrant immediate medical evaluation.
The researcher added that younger individuals can take preventive measures such as avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, reducing red meat intake, staying physically active, and maintaining a healthy body weight.
