Increase in Gastrointestinal Cancers Among Young Americans Remains a Puzzle, Without Clear Explanation
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In a concerning trend, the incidence of early-onset gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, particularly colorectal cancer, among young adults is on the rise. According to a recent study led by the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, rates of early-onset GI cancers, occurring in people under 50, are increasing more rapidly than other types of cancer.
The study, published in JAMA, reviewed data from 100 studies, past scientific reviews, and cancer-related guidelines, and analyzed three publicly available cancer statistic databases. The findings revealed that the incidence of early-onset GI cancers has been increasing globally, particularly in high-income countries like the U.S.
Colorectal cancer is the most common early-onset GI cancer worldwide, accounting for more than half of the cases. In 2021, fewer than 20% of people ages 45 to 49 went for a colorectal cancer screening, and public health experts recommended routine screening for colorectal cancer in people aged 45 and up in 2020. However, the study emphasized the importance of early detection and intervention for young people with GI cancers.
The increase in early-onset GI cancers is attributed to several factors. Risk factors for early-onset colorectal cancer include changes in the gut microbiome, antibiotic use, a Western diet, sedentary behavior, genetic factors, lack of screening, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, increased exposure to carcinogens, inflammatory bowel disease, and chronic inflammation.
Kimmie Ng, the senior study author and director of the Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center at Dana-Farber, made a statement about the study findings. She noted the need for more work to help catch early-onset GI cancers early enough, before they become impossible to treat. Ng also stated that more thought should be given to screening, diagnosing, and treating young people with these cancers.
The researchers questioned whether early-onset GI cancers are different from those caught later in life, and if so, should they be treated differently. Other scientists have argued that common stomach infections could also be driving the increase in cancer rates. A separate review of data by some of the same authors concluded that the rate of GI cancer has tripled in young people aged between 15 and 19, and almost doubled in those aged between 20 and 24.
The study's findings come at a critical time, as colorectal cancer cases have significantly increased. Alongside colorectal cancer, pancreatic, gastric, and esophageal cancers also showed an increase in young people. As the incidence of early-onset GI cancers continues to rise, it is crucial for public health initiatives to focus on early detection and prevention strategies to combat this growing health concern.
[1] Li, J., et al. (2021). Risk factors for early-onset colorectal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 39(10), 1214-1225.
[2] Ng, K. W., et al. (2021). Early-onset colorectal cancer: Epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical implications. Gastroenterology, 160(3), 773-788.
[3] Wang, J., et al. (2021). Early-onset colorectal cancer: A review of the current understanding. Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology, 13(1), 1-10.
[4] Ahlqvist, A., et al. (2020). Alcohol consumption and colorectal cancer risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. British Journal of Cancer, 122(5), 621-630.
- Gizmodo reported on the rise of early-onset gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, particularly colorectal cancer, among young adults.
- The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute led a study on the increase of early-onset GI cancers in people under 50.
- The research, published in JAMA, analyzed data from 100 studies and three publicly available cancer statistic databases.
- Colorectal cancer is the most common early-onset GI cancer worldwide, accounting for more than half of the cases.
- In 2021, only 20% of people aged 45 to 49 went for a colorectal cancer screening.
- Public health experts recommend routine screening for colorectal cancer in people aged 45 and up.
- Early detection and intervention for young people with GI cancers is crucial, according to the study.
- Risk factors for early-onset colorectal cancer include changes in the gut microbiome, antibiotic use, a Western diet, sedentary behavior, genetic factors, lack of screening, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, increased exposure to carcinogens, inflammatory bowel disease, and chronic inflammation.
- Kimmie Ng, the senior study author, emphasized the need for more work to help catch early-onset GI cancers.
- Ng also stated that more thought should be given to screening, diagnosing, and treating young people with these cancers.
- The study's findings come at a critical time as colorectal cancer cases have significantly increased.
- Pancreatic, gastric, and esophageal cancers also showed an increase in young people according to the study.
- The study raised questions about whether early-onset GI cancers are different from those caught later in life.
- Some scientists argued that common stomach infections could also be driving the increase in cancer rates.
- A separate review of data by some of the same authors concluded that the rate of GI cancer has tripled in young people aged between 15 and 19.
- Health and wellness initiatives should focus on early detection and prevention strategies to combat this growing health concern.
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