Why is cancer increasing among younger people? Doctors list the serious reasons behind it.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Cancer has long been considered a disease of aging, but a worrying shift has been observed in recent years. In many parts of the world, cancer cases are rapidly increasing among young people under the age of 50. 

Although most cancer cases still occur in the elderly, today's youth are contracting the disease at a higher rate than in previous generations. According to Dr. Arun Kumar Goyal, Chairman of Surgical Oncology at Andromeda Cancer Hospital, Sonipat , there are several serious reasons behind this changing trend. Let's explore them.

The effects of poor lifestyle and eating habits

A major reason for this increasing risk is our changing lifestyle and eating habits. Obesity and weight gain from childhood are directly linked to several types of early-onset cancers, such as colorectal and endometrial cancer. Today's young people's diets are increasingly high in ultra-processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats, while decreasing in fiber. 

This imbalance causes inflammation and metabolic disturbances in the body , which increase the risk of cancer. Furthermore, long hours of sedentary work and a lack of physical activity are exacerbating this condition.

Environment and the Role of Microbes

Environmental factors may also be responsible for this increased risk of cancer. Exposure to certain bacteria in the intestines, such as E. coli, can damage DNA, which can later lead to colorectal cancer . Long-term exposure to air pollution, pesticides, and hormone-disrupting chemicals is also considered a major factor, although research is ongoing.

Improved screening and the birth cohort effect

Improved imaging technology, screening, and increased awareness are now making it possible to detect cancer at earlier stages and at younger ages. Researchers have also observed the birth cohort effect, which means that each new generation has a higher risk of developing cancer at a younger age during their lifetime than the previous generation.

increased risk of these cancers 

Young adults have seen a significant increase in cancers, particularly colorectal, breast, thyroid, testicular, pancreatic, kidney, lymphoma, and melanoma. Although the risk is still lower than in older adults, it is steadily increasing.

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