Early-onset cancer rising worldwide: Causes, risk, prevention
Across Latin America, early-onset cancer rates have risen, but Chile and Brazil have seen the fastest growth, especially with bowel, breast and cervical cancers. But it is a worldwide trend.
A recent report highlights a concerning trend of early-onset cancer cases rising worldwide. While the exact cause remains unclear, the increase appears to be a global phenomenon, not just localized to certain regions. In England, for instance, cases of colorectal cancer among individuals under 50 doubled from one in 26,000 in 2001 to one in 12,000 in 2023. Similar increases were observed in other countries such as Chile, Argentina, and Brazil.
According to Amy Berrington de Gonzalez, a professor of clinical epidemiology, while the overall number of cases remains small, this trend is a global concern. In Latin America, colorectal cancer rates rose in 27 countries, with Chile experiencing the highest increase at nearly 4% per year. Brazil saw a five-fold increase in colorectal cancer cases among individuals under 50 between 2000 and 2023, compared to an even faster growth rate for those over 50.
The increasing rates of early-onset cancer are particularly concerning as they may indicate a shift in the disease's prevalence, moving from older age groups to younger individuals. This shift has significant implications for cancer research, as the causes of such a widespread phenomenon would be more challenging to isolate and study.
Obesity is identified as a major risk factor for several types of cancer, including colorectal cancer. The World Health Organization reports that obesity rates have doubled among adults since the 1990s and quadrupled among adolescents. In the United States, a study found that the rise in pancreatic cancer among adults aged 15 to 39 was mostly due to early-stage tumors, suggesting improved early detection through increased awareness and screening.
While the exact causes of the rise in early-onset cancer are still not fully understood, experts advise that adopting a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, increasing physical activity, consuming more fiber-rich foods, and reducing the intake of processed meats. Experts also emphasize that public health policies are crucial in addressing this issue, as societal changes have significantly contributed to the obesity epidemic and the shift towards convenience foods.
Written by urgent.news from DW News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
