Experts have explained two reasons why there has been a surge of cases of bowel cancer among young people and have listed the symptoms to watch for to catch the disease early. An extra 100 people a day are being diagnosed with the condition and scientists say it is down to changes in diet and lifestyle as well as genetic factors.
In particular, there has been an increase in the amount of processed foods being eaten, as well as less exercise now the norm. The warning signs of colorectal cancer include bleeding, bloating, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain and unusual changes to stool consistency – diarrhoea or constipation that deviates from your norm, reports The Mirror.
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, said: “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 fibre. A diet low in fibre and high in processed foods can contribute to the development of bowel cancer.”
Fibre 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 said: “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.”
Dr Youssef added: “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.”
He said: “‘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.”