Why Are More Young People Getting Cancer?

Cancer diagnoses among young people are on the rise. Recent research has shown an increase in early-onset cancers affecting individuals under the age of 50.

A recent study by Brigham and Women’s Hospital revealed a significant rise in breast, colon, esophagus, kidney, liver, and pancreas cancer globally since around 1990. This increase is attributed to various factors, including changes in diet, lifestyle, and environmental exposures experienced early in life. The following types of cancer have seen an increase in people under age 50:

• While older women are more likely to be diagnosed with slow-growing tumors, younger women have more aggressive types of breast cancer. These cancers often require more aggressive treatments, especially if the cancer has already spread in the body, and those treatments can have significant side effects. Younger patients also tend to be diagnosed at more advanced stages of breast cancer;
• Colorectal cancer, in particular, has seen a notable increase among younger adults, becoming the leading cause of cancer death in men under 50 and the second leading cause in women under 50 in the United States. This trend is concerning, as it indicates that younger generations are at higher risk compared to previous generations, possibly due to early life exposures and lifestyle changes;
• Esophageal cancer is very uncommon in people under 55, with fewer than 15% of diagnoses occurring in this age group. However, the annual incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) in people under 50 has increased by more than three times since 1975.Researchers say diagnoses are increasingly prevalent and the victims tend to have poorer survival outcomes;
• Kidney. The rate of new kidney cancers diagnosed each year has been increasing for many years. This rise may be due to the use of newer imaging tests such as CT scans, which have picked up some cancers that might never have been found otherwise. There have been reports of kidney cancer in individuals in their 30s, which illustrates a need to lower the age of kidney cancer screen from 40;
• Early-onset liver cancer–liver cancer diagnosed in individuals under age 50–is increasingly common, accounting for 15%-26% of total liver cancers around the world. Research has found that the incidence of liver cancer increased faster in people aged 45-49 years than in those 75-79 years old; and
• The incidence of pancreatic cancer has increased over recent decades, and there is evidence that this increase has been most apparent in people younger than 50 or 55 years of age. Four factors—smoking, alcohol consumption, history of pancreatitis and hepatitis B infection–may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer in patients younger than its typical age of onset, 70 years of age.

 

While the overall cancer death rate has decreased due to advancements in treatment and early detection, the consistent increase in cancer cases among younger populations highlights the need for more research to understand and address these trends.

Why are more people under 50 being diagnosed with cancer?

Experts are investigating several potential causes of cancer in those under 50, including obesity, diet, alcohol consumption, sleep deprivation, and environmental pollutants. The role of the microbiome and the impact of highly processed foods are also being explored as possible contributors to the rise in digestive system cancers among young people. Here are some of the potential reasons.

Biological and genetic factors

Early life exposures to carcinogens and other risk factors are crucial. Changes in the “exposome“—the sum of all environmental exposures—during critical periods of development can have long-term health impacts, including increased cancer risk. Diet and lifestyle changes can alter the gut microbiome, which plays a role in immune function and inflammation. An unhealthy microbiome can contribute to the development of cancers, particularly those of the digestive system.

Environmental exposures

Increased exposure to environmental pollutants, including industrial chemicals and pesticides, is suspected to contribute to the rise in cancer cases. These exposures can lead to genetic mutations and other cellular changes that increase cancer risk.

Lifestyle changes

The prevalence of highly processed foods, sugary beverages, and fast food has increased significantly over the past few decades. These dietary changes contribute to obesity, which is a known risk factor for several types of cancer, including colorectal and breast cancer. Higher rates of alcohol consumption and smoking among younger populations have also been linked to increased cancer risk. Both habits are associated with cancers such as those of the liver, esophagus, and lungs. More screen time and less physical activity is another contributing factor. Physical inactivity has been associated with an increased risk of various cancers, including colorectal cancer.

Medical advances and screening

Enhanced screening and diagnostic techniques have led to earlier detection of cancers that might have gone unnoticed in the past. This increased detection might partially explain the rise in diagnosed cases among younger individuals. Greater awareness and better reporting mechanisms have also contributed to the apparent increase in cancer rates among younger people. More individuals are seeking medical advice and getting screened, leading to higher detection rates.

Societal and behavioral changes

Modern lifestyles often involve sleep deprivation, which has been linked to various health issues, including an increased risk of cancer. Sleep deprivation affects hormone levels and immune function, which can contribute to cancer development. Chronic stress and poor mental health are increasingly common and have been associated with higher cancer risk. Stress can lead to unhealthy behaviors such as poor diet, smoking, and alcohol use, which are risk factors for cancer.

The rise in cancer diagnoses among younger people is likely due to a combination of these and possibly other factors. Ongoing research aims to further understand these trends and develop strategies to mitigate risk and improve early detection and treatment.

If you or someone you loved received a delayed cancer diagnosis due to suspected medical malpractice, the Savannah injury attorneys are ready to help. We have obtained millions of dollars in compensation on behalf of our medical malpractice clients in Atlanta, Savannah and throughout Georgia. Call or fill out our contact form to schedule your free initial consultation today.