- Deaths from colorectal cancer among young people in Europe are likely to increase by around a third in 2024.
- Although the study was conducted in the European Union and the United Kingdom, the results reflect what is also happening in the United States.
- Scientists say obesity, low physical activity levels and alcohol may be some of the causes.
More young people expected to die colorectal cancer The authors of a new study say Europe has seen an unprecedented number of infections this year, and alcohol, low activity levels and obesity may be partly to blame.
Cancer researchers at the University of Milan in Italy predicted that: Number of deaths due to colorectal cancer The number of people aged 25 to 49 in the EU and UK is expected to increase significantly this year compared to 2018.
The study reflects the situation in the United States, one cancer researcher told Business Insider.
Cristina Annunziata, the American Cancer Society's senior vice president for extramural discovery, said the study's results are similar to those published Jan. 17 in the organization's paper. 2024 Cancer Statistics Report.
According to the report, colorectal cancerCancer, also known as colon, bowel, or rectal cancer, depending on where it occurs, is the number one cause of cancer death for men under 50 in the United States, and the second leading cause of cancer death for women in the same age group. It is the cancer with the second highest mortality rate. Their number has been increasing since the late 1990s, and actors death of chadwick boseman The 2020 colon cancer outbreak shed light on this issue.
“The percentages are a little different, but I think the trends are similar. I think the comments about obesity, diet and drinking are certainly valid,” Annunziata said.
of studyThe study, published in the journal Annals of Oncology on January 29, found that of the countries surveyed, the biggest increase is expected to be in the United Kingdom, where the number of deaths in young men was 26 in comparison. %, the authors predict, could increase by nearly 39% among young women. Until 6 years ago. The study also predicted that Italy, Germany, Spain and Poland would also see small increases.
To make the estimates, researchers analyzed death data from the World Health Organization and Eurostat databases for most EU member states and the UK from 1970 to 2018. They have published these predictions every year for the past 14 years.
Although the study estimates that deaths from colorectal cancer will decline overall in 2024, this is the first year that deaths from colorectal cancer are projected to increase among young people.
Colorectal cancer usually has higher mortality rates in younger people
Colorectal cancer in young people tends to be more aggressive and survival rates are lower than in younger people. colorectal cancer Carlo La Vecchia, lead author of the study, said in a press release that the diagnosis was made in an older adult.
He believes that obesity and health conditions associated with excess weight are the main factors contributing to increased rates of colorectal cancer in young people. Hyperglycemia and diabetes.
more people drink alcoholwhich is associated with early-onset colorectal cancer, and decreased physical activity may also be a factor, the study said.
“Countries where alcohol consumption is decreasing, such as France and Italy, have not experienced such a significant increase in mortality from this cancer,” La Vecchia said.
He said countries with better access to screening and early diagnosis tend to have lower mortality rates. “However, the increase in mortality among young people is a concern,” he said.
Kimmy Ng, director of the Juvenile-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, commented on the increasing number of young people developing colorectal cancer. NBC Last month: “What we suspect is happening is that a combination of environmental factors is likely responsible for this, which changes our microbiome and immune system and causes this to occur at a young age. This means they may be more susceptible to these cancers.”
study author It recommended that governments consider strengthening policies to help people become more active and drink less alcohol, provide earlier cancer screening and help overweight or obese people lose weight.
Annunziata said these recommendations should also apply to the United States.
“Importantly, people should strive to maintain a healthy weight, eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in red meat, exercise regularly, and limit tobacco and alcohol use. ” she said.
