Gastrointestinal cancer is on the rise among young people, particularly those aged between 24 and 49, according to new data from Cancer Research UK. While all age groups have seen an increase in this lesser-known cancer group since the 1990s, it’s young adults who are experiencing the most significant surge.
Bowel, breast and lung cancer have seen alarming increases among young adults over previous years, with gallbladder cancer now also joining the ranks. Oncologists are concerned about the uncertainty behind these increases, but many suspect it could be due to modern dietary habits.
Gallbladder cancer itself is relatively rare, with barely 1,000 cases diagnosed each year in the UK, but it carries a worrying prognosis as roughly one sixth of patients are expected to live 10 years after their diagnosis. As the number of cases rises, the age of patients appears to be decreasing, with young adults now twice as likely to get the disease than those in the 1990s, according to Cancer Research UK.
This trend could support the theory that diet is to blame, as the gallbladder stores bile, a substance used to break down fats. Speaking to MailOnline, world-renowned oncologist Professor Karol Sikora suspects it’s a combination of pollution, alcohol consumption, junk food and increasingly stressful lives that is altering the microbiome of young people.
However, he conceded: “It’s just impossible to measure…it’s a complex series of things that can affect it.”
The expert elaborated on the rationale behind his hypothesis as these factors affect every part of the digestive system, from the gallbladder to the colon – areas identified as problematic for youngsters. Despite the challenge of pinpointing the precise reasons behind the surge in cases, the professor expressed even greater concern over the lack of clear guidance provided to young individuals on mitigating their risk of gastrointestinal cancer.
He recommended a diet rich in fruits and vegetables coupled with regular physical activity as preventive measures. Katrina Brown, Cancer Research UK’s senior cancer intelligence manager, emphasised that despite an 85 per cent increase in cancer incidence among young people, in real terms, the numbers remain quite low.
She added: “Cancer is still uncommon in this age group, and 90 per cent of UK cancer cases are in people aged 50 and over.”