Bowel cancer, once perceived as primarily affecting older adults, is increasingly diagnosed among younger individuals, especially those aged 25 to 49. This trend has raised alarm among healthcare professionals and researchers, highlighting the urgent need for more proactive measures and awareness.
According to recent studies, bowel cancer rates have surged by 79% among adults under 50 from 1990 to 2019, indicating alarming statistics about this cancer type. Dr. Alaisdar Scott, a gut doctor at Selph, emphasized the importance of recognizing signs and seeking early diagnosis. He stated, “There are two ways you can be diagnosed with bowel cancer. You might develop symptoms, such as a change in bowel habit, stomach pain, weight loss or blood in your stool. Alternatively, you might have no symptoms but be diagnosed with bowel cancer by screening.”
Notably, bowel cancer is now the third most diagnosed cancer globally and the second leading cause of cancer deaths, claiming approximately 1.9 million lives worldwide as of 2022. Statistics indicate rates have climbed significantly, particularly across high-income countries, including the UK, US, Canada, and parts of Europe.
Recent findings from The Lancet indicate this worrying trend is not limited to high-income nations. Significant increases have also been observed in countries such as Japan and Turkey, raising questions about the universality of lifestyle factors contributing to these trends. The article emphasized the urgency of addressing these changes, stating, “The findings show the rising incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer is no longer limited to high-income countries; it now extends to many countries worldwide.”
One of the core issues contributing to rising bowel cancer rates is the age at which screenings are conducted. Currently, individuals in England are invited for bowel cancer screening starting at the age of 54. This is significantly higher compared to other nations where screenings begin at age 45, like the United States, and even earlier at age 40 in Japan. Dr. Scott highlighted, “The NHS is way behind other countries in this sense.”
With the incidence of bowel cancer rising among younger adults—showing a consistent increase of 3.6% annually—health experts are advocating for reduced screening ages. They argue this could play a pivotal role in saving lives, as early detection leads to significantly improved survival rates. "If you’re diagnosed through screening, you’re much more likely to have early-stage bowel cancer and are three times more likely to survive,” Dr. Scott noted.
To combat these rising rates, Dr. Scott presented several lifestyle adjustments individuals can make to lower their risk of developing bowel cancer:
- Exercise regularly: Physical activity can reduce the risk by about 20%. Following the recommended guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week can help.
- Maintain a balanced diet: Reducing alcohol and sugar consumption, alongside increasing intake of whole grains, fibres, and dairy, can significantly affect bowel health. Dr. Scott noted, “An alcoholic drink a day will increase your risk of bowel cancer by around seven percent.”
- Avoid smoking: Smoking is the largest preventable cause of bowel cancer.
- Know your family history: Understanding your family’s health history can provide insights for necessary early screenings. Particularly, those with first-degree relatives diagnosed early with bowel cancer should discuss this with their GP.
The awareness around bowel cancer symptoms has become increasingly relevant; common signs include changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss. The US-based Mayo Clinic states, “If you notice symptoms...it is advised to see a doctor.” These recommendations are echoed by experts who stress the need for proactive healthcare and self-advocacy.
Public health campaigns advocating for early screenings, increased public awareness of symptoms, and lifestyle alterations could dramatically influence outcomes for younger demographics increasingly affected by bowel cancer. The need for policy adjustments to screening age presents itself clearly as healthcare systems grapple with these rising statistics.
The stakes are high, and every bit of information and awareness can potentially save lives. Bolstering the fight against this cancer starts with recognizing its rising prevalence among younger individuals and acting decisively to address it.
