Youths now face a fourfold increased risk of developing cancer in a single location.
Rising Tide of Early-Onset GI Cancers: A Global Health Concern
A significant increase in the incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, including colorectal, rectal, pancreatic, stomach, and esophageal cancers, is being observed among younger Americans, particularly those under 50. This trend, driven primarily by lifestyle and environmental factors, is a growing concern worldwide [1][2][4][5].
Colorectal Cancer Leads the Pack
Colorectal cancer is the most common early-onset GI cancer globally and in the U.S., accounting for over half of these cases. Pancreatic, gastric (stomach), and esophageal cancers are also on the rise in young adults [1][5].
Modifiable Lifestyle Factors at Play
Obesity, a strong risk factor for early-onset colorectal cancer, is a significant contributor. Obese individuals, defined as those with a body mass index (BMI) above 30, have nearly twice the risk of developing early-onset colorectal cancer compared to those with normal weight [4]. Western dietary patterns—high consumption of processed foods, red meat, and sugary drinks—linked with cancer risk, alongside low intake of fruits and vegetables, also play a role [2][4].
NAFLD and GI Cancer Risk
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), associated with the obesity epidemic, increases GI cancer risk, even in people not severely overweight or obese [4].
Screening Guidelines and Uptake
Screening guidelines have recently shifted to recommend colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45, but uptake remains low, potentially delaying early detection [3][5].
A Global Trend
The rise in early-onset GI cancers is a global trend, particularly pronounced in countries with widespread adoption of Western lifestyles [4][5].
Adapting Healthcare Systems
Healthcare systems in the US are trying to adapt to the increasing number of colorectal cancer cases among younger adults, recognising the need for preventive measures and early detection strategies [6].
A Call to Action
The increasing incidence of GI tract cancers among younger Americans reflects a combination of modifiable lifestyle factors—obesity, diet, alcohol, smoking—environmental exposures, and possibly microbiome changes, set against a background of historically low screening rates and delayed detection [1][2][4][5]. To combat this trend, it is crucial to promote healthy lifestyle changes, increase awareness about early detection, and invest in research to understand the underlying mechanisms better.
[1] American Cancer Society. (2020). Colorectal cancer in young adults. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/about/colorectal-cancer-in-young-adults.html
[2] Siegel, R. L., Miller, K. D., Jemal, A., & Ward, E. (2021). Cancer statistics, 2021. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 71(1), 7-33.
[3] American Cancer Society. (2021). Colorectal cancer screening guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-and-screening/acs-recommendations.html
[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Colorectal cancer in young adults. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectum/basic_info/young-adults.htm
[5] National Cancer Institute. (2020). Colorectal cancer in young adults. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/colon-rectal/hp/colorectal-young-adults-pdq
[6] American Society of Clinical Oncology. (2021). Young adults with colorectal cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/colon-and-rectal-cancer/patient-education-videos/young-adults-colorectal-cancer
- Science reveals that obesity, a strong risk factor for early-onset colorectal cancer, is significantly higher in those with a body mass index (BMI) above 30, almost doubling the risk compared to normal weight individuals.
- In the realm of health and wellness, it's crucial to focus on nutrition, as Western dietary patterns—high processed foods, red meat, and sugary drinks intake, coupled with low fruit and vegetable consumption—are linked with higher cancer risk.
- Fitness and exercise play a role in digestive health, as obesity, a risk factor for early-onset colorectal cancer, can be mitigated through regular physical activity.
- Medical-conditions, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), associated with the obesity epidemic, increase the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, even in individuals who are not severely overweight or obese.
