Incidence of bowel canceris soaring

BOWEL cancer rates have soared by 45 per cent among younger Britons in the last 10 years, a study reveals.

The research in the US shows people born in the 1990s are facing a bowel cancertime-bombbecauseof poor diet and a lack of exercise.

The study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found US millenials – those born around 1990 – are four times more likely to develop rectal tumours, which begin in the large intestine, compared to those born in about 1950.

Theyarealsoattwicethe risk of colon tumours, which start growing lower down and an alarming three in 10 rectal cancer diagnoses are now in patients below the age of 55.

Deborah Alsina, chief executive of Bowel Cancer UK, said: “This interesting study highlights the growing trend in colorectal cancer in under 50s in the US – the UK is seeing a similar pattern.

“Every year in the UK, 2,540 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, a 45 per cent increase over the last 10 years.

“It is interesting that there is a particularly steep rise in the number of people under the age of 55 diagnosed with rectal cancer in America and research has indicated a similar pattern in many countries around the world. This same research needs to be carried out in the UK to better understand current trends here.”