‘Western diet’ blamed the growing risk of gastrointestinal cancers among young adults
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Gastrointestinal cancers (GI) rates are increasing among young adults, with a new peer reviewed study that points to American diet and lifestyle as the main culprits.
The growing risk in younger generations may be more linked to the environmental factors than genetics, the report declared, which was recently published in the British Journal of Surgery.
“Some shared risk factors for early starting GI cancer (EO) include obesity, sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol and smoking consumption,” Digital News, main researcher Sara Char, MD, of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston told News News.
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The study indicates that recent generations are more likely to adopt a “western pattern diet” and a “sedentary lifestyle.”
Colorectal is the most common type of GI cancer early, but pancreatic, esophageal, gastric, biliary, appearance and neuroendocrine cancers are also increasing in adults under 50, said Char.
The report indicates that recent generations are more likely to adopt a “western pattern diet” and a sedentary lifestyle. (Istock)
Adults born in 1990 are twice as a risk of colon cancer and four times the risk of rectal cancer compared to those born in 1950, according to a previous study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
How the diet impacts risk
Paul Oberstein, MD, director of the Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology program of the Nyu Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center, told News Digital that a person’s diet really affects the risk of colon cancer.
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“Previous studies are reported that when someone has a greater amount of food typical of a western diet, it has a higher risk of colon cancer,” Oberstein said, who did not participate in the investigation.
A “western diet” generally includes a greater intake of red and processed meats, processed and aggregate sugars, and highly processed and refined grains, according to the oncologist.
Adults born in 1990 are twice as a risk of colon cancer and four times the risk of rectal cancer compared to those born in 1950. (Istock)
Delicatessen meats processed, sugary drinks and processed grain snacks are also commonly associated with this type of diet.
Research and recommendations
While the incidence of colon cancer in this group in general remains low, Oberstein recommends investing in more research to explore what factors are causing the increase.
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“We need to carry out more research on whether the diet, vitamin supplements, alcohol or other things we eat or use are contributing to this increase,” he said.
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The expert also emphasized the importance of following the recommended guidelines for the detection of colon cancer, which begin at 45 for most people, and seek medical attention if symptoms appear.
“We need to carry out more research on whether the diet, vitamin supplements, alcohol or other things we eat or use are contributing to this increase,” said an oncologist. (Istock)
Common warning signals include changes in intestinal habits, blood stool, inexplicable back pain, or unintentional weight loss, all of which justifies talking to a doctor for an “urgent evaluation”, according to Char.
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The researcher added that younger people can take preventive measures such as smoking, avoiding excessive alcohol, limiting red meat consumption, staying physically active and maintaining healthy body weight.