CANCER CASES RISING AMONG PEOPLE UNDER 50-STUDY

A recent study has revealed a concerning trend with more individuals under 50 receiving cancer diagnoses than ever before.

Published in the BMJ Oncology journal on September 5th, the study examined data from 1990 to 2019, encompassing approximately 29 cancer types. It found that early cancer cases worldwide have surged by 80%, while cancer-related deaths have risen by 28%.

According to the study, “The prediction model showed that the 40-44 and 45-49 age groups will represent a significant proportion of the population affected by early-onset cancer morbidity and mortality in the next 10 years.”

Prostate and nasopharyngeal cancers are identified as the fastest-growing globally, while liver cancer is on the decline. However, colorectal cancer remains a leading cause of disabilityadjusted life years for both men and women.

Dietary factors significantly contribute to cancer risk, as researchers note, “Diets high in red meat, low in fruit, high in sodium, and low in milk, as well as alcohol and tobacco consumption, are the main risk factors for early-onset cancer.” The study further reveals that individuals with diets lacking in milk, whole grains, and calcium face a heightened risk of early-onset cancer. In response, the researchers suggest considering calcium and milk fortification to mitigate this risk. They emphasize that alongside traditional lifestyle factors, dietary modifications can significantly reduce the burden of early-onset cancer.

General Practitioner Dr. Lucas Monametsi underscores the role of tobacco and alcohol in early cancer diagnoses and notes that genetics, gender, obesity, and aging can also predispose individuals to cancer.

Furthermore, the study highlights regional disparities, with sub-Saharan Africa having the lowest number of early-onset cases compared to North America, Australia, and Western Europe. The researchers attribute this disparity to inadequate cancer control efforts, limited cancer registries, and poorly organized reporting systems in African countries.

For younger individuals, obesity emerges as a prominent contributor to cancer diagnoses, along with other risk factors like alcohol consumption, high BMI, tobacco use, high fasting plasma glucose, and low physical activity. The researchers recommend adopting a healthy diet, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, increasing physical activity, and exploring the extension of screening and prevention programs to individuals aged 40 to 49.