Fifteen percent of all colorectal cancer patients are diagnosed before age of 50. This percent will continue to grow, as the incidence of this type of cancer increases among people under the age of 50. According to this article, the fastest increase in incidence is observed in the cohort of 20- to 39-year olds.
The mentioned article discusses the increasing incidence rates, but does not mention the possible causes for the worrisome trend.
I read some of the 200+ comments under the news. My conclusion is that our population is somewhat confused about the true reasons of why colorectal cancer is killing more and more young people.
Some of the readers mention genetics (heredity), but I assure you that humans cannot change their DNA so fast as to account for the present statistics.
Some mention GMOs, preservatives, and chemicals. I doubt the contribution of these as well. We need more evidence and proven mechanism of the agents.
Some blame the trend on our diet. I would say – a close guess. Our diet, our eating and physical activity habits leading to obesity are the true reason. Seventy percent of the U.S. adult population is overweight/obese.
The mentioned article discusses the increasing incidence rates, but does not mention the possible causes for the worrisome trend.
I read some of the 200+ comments under the news. My conclusion is that our population is somewhat confused about the true reasons of why colorectal cancer is killing more and more young people.
Some of the readers mention genetics (heredity), but I assure you that humans cannot change their DNA so fast as to account for the present statistics.
Some mention GMOs, preservatives, and chemicals. I doubt the contribution of these as well. We need more evidence and proven mechanism of the agents.
Some blame the trend on our diet. I would say – a close guess. Our diet, our eating and physical activity habits leading to obesity are the true reason. Seventy percent of the U.S. adult population is overweight/obese.
How does obesity cause cancer? Obesity creates an environment rich in adipokines, diverse molecules that can stimulate several signaling pathways. Such pathways could allow the survival and uncontrolled proliferation of already mutated cells. This adipokine - induced stimulation eventually allows for an earlier onset of not only colorectal cancer, but also other types of cancer.
Today in addition to colorectal cancer, the people younger than 50 have a higher risk of being diagnosed with thyroid cancer, cancer of the uterus, pancreatic cancer, kidney cancer, leukemia, and stomach cancer (data are from SEER database of NCI/NIH available online).
Today in addition to colorectal cancer, the people younger than 50 have a higher risk of being diagnosed with thyroid cancer, cancer of the uterus, pancreatic cancer, kidney cancer, leukemia, and stomach cancer (data are from SEER database of NCI/NIH available online).
Among the younger than 50, colorectal cancer and cancer of the uterus exhibit increased mortality (in addition of the increased incidence rate).
It is as simple as that: obesity kills us in many ways. It is disheartening that not too many have the courage to state this clearly. Instead, the prevalent idea is that we need to do more research to establish the reasons for the cancer incidence trend.
Instead of more research, spend the money on teaching the kids what to eat and how/when to eat it. This will be a true prevention approach with enormous impact not only on the cancer incidence among the young, but also on all other chronic diseases that kill us.
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