Global data reveals cancer cases among young people have increased by 79% in 30 years

By lauraharris // 2024-03-20

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More and more young people all over the world are being diagnosed with all different kinds of cancer. According to data from 1990 to 2019, cases of cancer among young people globally have risen by a staggering 79 percent, along with a 28 percent increase in deaths. Alarmingly, projections indicate that diagnoses are set to climb by a further 31 percent and deaths by 21 percent by the year 2030. (Related: Government data shows young people now dying of cancer at “explosive” rates following COVID vaccine push.) Data also reveals that every continent is witnessing a rise in various types of cancer among individuals under 50 years old. Countries like Australia and New Zealand lead the pack in early-onset cancer diagnoses, with rates soaring to 135 and 119 cases per 100,000 people, respectively. The disparity in cancer types between neighboring countries underscores the complexity of this phenomenon, with breast cancer dominating in Australia and colon cancer taking precedence in New Zealand. In Asia, countries like Japan and South Korea exhibit divergent trends, with South Korea experiencing a faster rise in early-onset colon cancer cases despite its geographic proximity and economic similarities to Japan. Colon cancer also emerges as a particularly pressing concern, with cases among individuals aged 20 to 34 skyrocketing by 40 percent between 2010 and 2020, with a projected 90 percent increase by 2030. The American Cancer Society estimates that over 19,500 cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed in those under 50 this year alone, with approximately 53,000 fatalities expected. Furthermore, the World Health Organization confirms that breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in over 150 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada, potentially due to increased accessibility to screenings. Prostate cancer follows closely.

Experts explore the potential reasons for the early on-set of cancers among young people

According to Daniel Huang, a hepatologist at the National University of Singapore, traditional lifestyle factors may not entirely explain the surge in cancer cases among the younger demographic. "Many have hypothesized that things like obesity and alcohol consumption might explain some of our findings, but it looks like you need a deeper dive into the data," he said. Recent studies have begun to shed light on the potential genetic components of early-onset cancer. Some findings suggest that younger patients develop more aggressive tumors, which may suppress the immune system to a greater extent than tumors in older patients. Pathologist Shuji Ogino at Harvard Medical School and colleagues have also discovered a weakened immune response in individuals with early-onset tumors, though the precise reasons remain elusive. Moreover, emerging research points to the role of the microbiome—the collection of microbes residing in the human body—in influencing cancer development. Disruptions to the microbiome, caused by dietary changes and increased antibiotic use, can lead to inflammation, a known factor in various diseases, including cancer. To unravel the complexities of early-onset cancer, researchers are collaborating across borders, emphasizing the need for extensive data analysis spanning decades. Epidemiologist Barbara Cohn stresses the importance of examining exposures to potential carcinogens early in life, emphasizing the necessity of longitudinal studies. Preliminary investigations into early-onset colon cancer have revealed possible connections to prenatal exposures, such as synthetic progesterone. Dr. Edward Kim of City of Hope, a renowned cancer hospital in California, describes cancer in young people as "a growing epidemic," with rates highest for breast, colon, and lung cancers. Read more news about cancer at Cancer.news. Watch this video about a surgeon's insight on breast cancer prevention and treatment. This video is from the Finding Genius Podcast channel on Brighteon.com.

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Experts explore the potential reasons for the early on-set of cancers among young people

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