Experts have delivered a stark warning to under-50s as this age group has been revealed to have one of the world’s fastest-rising rates of a certain type of cancer.
Bowel cancer, also called colorectal cancer, can be found anywhere in the large bowel, including the colon and the rectum. If left untreated, the disease can develop, eventually infecting lymph nodes and other organs.
The NHS states that this is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK, with around 44,000 people being diagnosed every year, as per Bowel Cancer UK.
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However, it appears that number is rising according to a new major study conducted by the American Cancer Society.
Experts have warned that early-onset tumours are becoming a ‘global phenomenon’ after bowel cancer incidence rates in 50 countries between 1943 and 2017 were compared.
In the research paper published in The Lancet Oncology journal, it was outlined that colorectal cancer rates had increased in 27 of 50 surveyed countries between 2007 and 2017.
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The American Cancer Society also outlined that diagnosis among under-50s (those aged 25 to 49) in England increased by 3.6 percent per year during those ten years.
Results showed that high-income Western countries, including England, Canada and the United States, were where rates had predominantly increased.
It was also revealed that young women from countries such as Norway, Turkey and Australia were discovered to have faster increases in early bowel cancer rates compared to their male counterparts.
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Bowel cancer cases are sadly on the rise (Getty Stock Image)
What does the American Cancer Society say about its study results?
Dr Hyuna Sung, principal scientist and cancer epidemiologist at the American Cancer Society, described these rising bowel cancer rates as a ‘global phenomenon’ that require immediate action.
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“Previous studies have shown this rise in predominantly high-income Western countries, but it is now documented in various economies and regions worldwide. This highlights the need to prevent and control cancers linked to dietary habits, physical inactivity, and excess body weight.”
Experts warn eating junk food could play ‘vital’ role in developing bowel cancer
This link between junk food and the rising bowel cancer risk has been investigated by another team of scientists.
Research conducted by The University of South Florida and Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute warns that a poor diet could play a ‘vital’ role in the increased risk of developing bowel cancer.
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According to Dr. Timothy Yeatman of the University of South Florida, it’s ‘well known that patients with unhealthy diets have increased inflammation in their bodies.’
"We now see this inflammation in the colon tumours themselves, and cancer is like a chronic wound that won’t heal – if your body is living off of daily ultra-processed foods, its ability to heal that wound decreases due to the inflammation and suppression of the immune system that ultimately allows the cancer to grow.”
Those wanting to get a handle on their health are advised to cut out ultra-processed foods, as well as items that are high in sugar, salt and low in protein and fibre. These include flavoured yoghurts, breakfast cereals, burgers and particular alcoholic beverages including rum.
What are the symptoms of bowel cancer?
Severe symptoms to look out for include bleeding from your bottom, excruciating tummy pain and needing to use the toilet more or less frequently than usual.
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Sufferers may also begin to feel lethargic and tired for no reason or may start to lose weight without trying.
Bloating, the need to defecate even though you’ve just been to the toilet and blood in your faeces are also all symptoms of bowel cancer.
The NHS states that those with the disease may also develop anaemia - a serious condition in which the body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues, according to the Mayo Clinic.
What does a Cancer Research UK expert say about the new bowel cancer study?
Discussing the damning study, Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK said: “This flagship study reveals that increasing rates of early-onset bowel cancer is a global issue.
“Concerningly, it has shown for the first time ever that rates are rising more sharply in England than in many other countries around the world.
“While it is important to note that rates in younger adults are still very low compared to people over 50, we need to understand what’s causing this trend in younger people.”
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.
Ella Scott