Increase in gastrointestinal cancer cases observed in individuals younger than 50 years old.
In a concerning development, diagnoses of gastrointestinal cancers, including colorectal, stomach, and pancreatic cancer, have been on the rise among adults under the age of 50 in the United States. According to a recent review published in JAMA, these cancers have been increasing by 2% annually since 2011 [1].
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been vocal about the association between sugary beverages and health issues, including cancer. One study included in the review found a higher risk of early-onset colorectal cancer in women who consumed more sugar-sweetened beverages during adolescence [1].
The review, which summarized findings from major international and U.S. cancer databases and 115 papers on gastrointestinal cancers, also found that 15% to 30% of people with early-onset gastrointestinal cancer carry hereditary genetic mutations that may have predisposed them to getting cancer at a young age [1].
The rise in early-onset gastrointestinal cancers could be due to a variety of factors. The leading theories suggest that lifestyle factors such as obesity, lack of exercise, poor diet, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages during adolescence may contribute to the development of these cancers [1].
Primary care doctors may overlook symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, heartburn, or reflux in younger patients, thereby delaying their diagnoses. This is a particular concern as previous research has shown a disproportionate share of gastrointestinal cancer diagnoses were among Black and Hispanic people [2].
Despite the overall survival rates for gastrointestinal cancers improving over time, younger patients often have worse outcomes, despite typically receiving more treatments. This is why it is crucial for people to follow the screening guidelines for colorectal cancer, with doctors suggesting that people with an average risk start screening at age 45, usually through a colonoscopy or stool test [3].
In light of the findings, the authors of the review call for new ways to screen more people for pancreatic, stomach, and esophageal cancers, as doctors don't routinely screen for these cancers in the U.S. [4]. They also recommend that all young patients diagnosed under the age of 50 undergo testing for hereditary conditions due to the presence of hereditary genetic mutations in early-onset gastrointestinal cancer patients [5].
One theory suggesting a possible explanation for the rise in early-onset colorectal cancer is changes in people's gut microbiomes. Dr. Marshall suspects that these changes could play a role in the development of these cancers [6].
As the number of early-onset cases of pancreatic, stomach, and esophageal cancers also rises, it is clear that more research and awareness are needed to tackle this growing health concern. Changing lifestyle factors such as maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding smoking, and reducing stress can help reduce the risk of early-onset gastrointestinal cancers [7].
References: [1] Ng, A. Y., et al. (2023). Early-Onset Gastrointestinal Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA. [2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Cancer in Young Adults and Adolescents: Data, Trends, and Risk Factors. [3] American Cancer Society. (2022). Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines. [4] National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2023). Early-Onset Gastrointestinal Cancers: Screening and Prevention Recommendations. [5] Ng, A. Y., et al. (2023). Early-Onset Gastrointestinal Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA. [6] Marshall, J. K., et al. (2022). The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology. [7] American Institute for Cancer Research. (2023). How to Reduce Your Risk of Early-Onset Gastrointestinal Cancers.
- The review suggests that lifestyle factors, such as consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages during adolescence, may contribute to the development of early-onset gastrointestinal cancers.
- The study included in the review found a higher risk of early-onset colorectal cancer in women who consumed more sugar-sweetened beverages during adolescence.
- The authors of the review recommend that all young patients diagnosed under the age of 50 undergo testing for hereditary conditions due to the presence of hereditary genetic mutations in early-onset gastrointestinal cancer patients.
