Colorectal cancer cases spiking among under 30s as expert points to two key reasons

There's been a serious spike in colorectal cancer diagnoses with an added 100 young people per day learning they have the condition. One expert sheds light on why more and more young individuals are being diagnosed .

The primary reasons behind this alarming surge, according to a scientist, are changes in diet and increased consumption of processed foods, sedentary lifestyles, obesity , genetic factors, as well as delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis. Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer, holds the dismal spot as the second most deadly cancer in the US.

It affects around 150,000 Americans each year, taking the lives of more than 50,000. Medically, early-onset cancer is defined as the disease affecting adults who are under 50 years old.

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The warning signs of colorectal cancer include bleeding, bloating, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain and unusual changes to stool consistency - diarrhea or constipation that deviates from your norm. Speaking to MailOnline, Dr Haney Youssef, who specializes in colorectal cancer and works as a colorectal surgeon at The Harborne Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK, located in Birmingham, England, delved into some of the causes for the worrying rise of bowel cancer in younger individuals.

The first probable cause he mentioned was modifications in dietary practices coupled with the high intake of processed foods. Dr. Youssef noted: "The modern diet, particularly in Western countries, has seen a significant increase in the consumption of processed and fast foods. These foods are often high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and additives, while being low in fiber. A diet low in fiber and high in processed foods can contribute to the development of bowel cancer."

He added that younger generations may be more susceptible to buying this sort of food, which also lacks fiber, a crucial part of a healthy diet. Fiber helps to keep us regular, meaning harmful chemicals can pass through the bowel, according to Cancer Research UK (CRUK).

Meats that are processed through curing, smoking or salting, such as in sausages, bacon, salami, chorizo, ham, and hot dogs, are most widely known to increase cancer risk. This is often done by adding chemical preservatives such as nitrates, which on digestion can turn into N-nitroso chemicals, which in turn damage the bowel.

Another contributing factor may be an increase in sedentary lifestyles, with the more active you are the lower your risk of colorectal cancer, according to CRUK. Dr Youssef said: "With the rise of digital technology and changes in work and leisure activities, sedentary lifestyles have become more common.

"Many young people spend long hours sitting, whether at a desk, in front of a computer, or using mobile devices. Lack of physical activity is a known risk factor for bowel cancer, as regular exercise helps maintain a healthy digestive system and overall well-being."

Staying active boosts your immune system, making it more adept at targeting cells that could turn into cancer, says CRUK. Dr. Youssef explains: "Obesity rates have been climbing globally, and younger age groups are not immune to this trend.

"Excess body fat can lead to inflammation and changes in hormone levels, which may promote cancer development. The rising prevalence of obesity in younger individuals is a contributing factor to the increased incidence of bowel cancer in this demographic."

Being overweight causes an increase in the body's growth hormones, leading to more frequent cell division and a higher risk of cancerous cells forming, thus raising the chances of developing the disease. Additionally, immune cells flock to areas with high concentrations of fat cells, causing an uptick in inflammation and faster cell division in those regions.

While you can't control genetic factors, they also play a role in your risk for the disease. It's not just about diet and exercise; genetics might also increase your susceptibility to the disease.

Dr. Youssef notes: "Research has not unveiled a conclusive connection between genetics and the increase in diagnosis however, having a first-degree relative under 50 who has had bowel cancer could suggest a higher risk for younger people."

He continued: "While most cases of bowel cancer are sporadic, a portion of younger patients may have a genetic predisposition to the disease. Conditions such as Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) significantly increase the risk of developing bowel cancer at a young age however, this only accounts for five percent of all bowel cancer cases."

The tragic passing of Dame Deborah James, who succumbed to bowel cancer at the age of 40 in 2022, has heightened awareness and spurred advancements in diagnostic methods. Consequently, there's been an uptick in the diagnosis of bowel cancer among the youth.

Dr Youssef remarked: "Younger people are more aware of the importance of getting medical advice for symptoms such as ongoing bowel habit changes and rectal bleeding. As a result, this could be having a knock-on effect on the number of younger people getting diagnosed."

Dr. Yousseff noted: "'Symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and rectal bleeding can be attributed to less serious conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or hemorrhoids. For a small minority, this delay in accurate diagnosis allows the cancer to progress to more advanced stages before it is detected. By addressing the controllable factors, such as dietary habits, promoting physical activity, and managing obesity, individuals can help reduce their risk of bowel cancer."