Cancer cases in people under the age of 50 are rising dramatically around the world, researchers found in a new study. Early-onset cancer cases appear to be increasing due to factors such as alcohol consumption, lack of sleep, obesity, smoking, and consumption of highly processed foods. The study, recently published in the journal Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology, says the risk of getting early-onset cancer increases with each generation and will continue to increase in successive generations. (Also read: Asymptomatic breast cancer: Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention)
Cancer, one of the leading causes of death worldwide, occurs due to modifiable and non-modifiable causes, and making lifestyle changes could significantly reduce the risk of the deadly disease. In fact, the parliamentary standing committee on family health and welfare recently recommended in its 139th report to the Rajya Sabha that cancer should be made a notifiable disease in order to determine the precise incidence and prevalence of the disease in the country.
“In recent decades, more and more adults under the age of 50 are developing cancer. A recent study revealed that the incidence of early-onset cancers (those diagnosed before the age of 50), including cancers of the breast, colon, esophagus, kidney, liver, and pancreas, among others, has increased dramatically worldwide. Colorectal, uterine, thyroid, and kidney cancer have been linked to obesity, which has been on the rise in children and young adults,” says Dr. G. Vamshi Krishna Reddy, Director of Oncology. Services, Consultant Medical Oncologist and Haematological Oncologist, Yashoda Hyderabad Hospitals.
“The early life exposome, which encompasses diet, lifestyle, weight, environmental exposures and the microbiome, has changed substantially in recent decades. Therefore, factors such as Westernized diet and lifestyle could contribute to the early-onset cancer epidemic,” he adds. Doctor Reddy.
“If we try to divide the causes or risk factors of cancer, it can be broadly classified into modifiable and non-modifiable causes. Modifiable causes include: sedentary lifestyle, tobacco use, alcohol use, obesity, dietary diet, stress , lack of exercise, occupational risks, etc. and the non-modifiable factors are usually the genetic factors in which the genetic makeup of the cell is defective and is transferred through genes from one generation to another (hereditary cancers) and the non-hereditary cancer that is due to sporadic changes in the cell line, such as exposure to ultraviolet light, ionizing radiation, etc.” says Sunny Jain, MD, HOD and Senior Oncology Consultant, Marengo QRG Hospital, Faridabad.
Alcohol consumption is mainly linked to esophageal and oral cancer, and even moderate consumption is associated with an increased risk of breast and colorectal cancer. (AFP/Instock)
CAUSES OF CANCER IN YOUNG PEOPLE
1. SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE
Inactivity and obesity lead to nearly 20 lakh deaths each year due to major chronic diseases such as type II diabetes, osteoporosis, stroke, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Colon and breast cancers have been linked to obesity, so physical activity is a very important modification for cancer prevention.
OBESITY CANCER
Obesity is also linked to endometrial, kidney, and esophageal cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has proposed recommendations for public health action in managing obesity.
2. INCORRECT DIET
“For many decades, as doctors and a lot of research, we have tried to identify a connection between diet and cancer. Any diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, high in fiber, with red meat and limited animal fat, including a “A daily multivitamin with folate is considered a healthy diet. Research has shown a reduction in the chances of prostate cancer in men who consume tomatoes. It is postulated that the carotenoid lycopene is responsible for this protective effect,” says Dr. Jain .
THE ROLE OF DIET IN THE CAUSE AND PREVENTION OF CANCER
– Vitamin B – Folate helps in the synthesis, methylation and repair of DNA. Studies have found that as folate intake increases, the risk of adenomatous polyps decreases and the chances of colorectal cancer decrease.
– Vitamin A and carotenoids have been shown to lower the risk of breast cancer, some studies also suggest lowering the risk of lung cancer.
– Alcohol it is considered an independent carcinogen as it acts as a solvent (causing carcinogens to penetrate the mucosa), an irritant (causing increased cell turnover), and may also be a transporter (carrying carcinogens to the basal layer of the mucosa). Alcohol consumption is mainly linked to esophageal and oral cancer, and even moderate consumption is associated with an increased risk of breast and colorectal cancer.
Processed foods are one of the risk factors for cancer(Shutterstock)
CUT THE RISK OF CANCER
While you can’t be sure you don’t get cancer, making healthy lifestyle changes helps reduce your risk.
Dr. G. Vamshi Krishna Reddy suggests tips to prevent cancer:
Say no to smoking
• Not smoking is the best thing you can do to reduce your risk of cancer. The harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke affect the entire body, not just the lungs. If you smoke, the best thing you can do for your health is to quit.
Maintain a healthy weight
• Maintaining a healthy weight has many health benefits, including reducing the risk of cancer.
Have a healthy and balanced diet.
• Having healthy foods and drinks can reduce your risk of cancer. Try to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole foods rich in fiber, and healthy proteins. Cut back on red and processed meat, alcohol, and high-calorie foods and drinks.
avoid alcohol
• Reduce alcohol consumption, as it reduces the risk of 7 types of cancer. No matter what type it is, all alcohol can cause harm. Whatever your drinking habits, drinking less alcohol will improve your health.
Cancers on the rise in young adults that are related to obesity:
• Kidney cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Gallbladder cancer
• Uterine cancer
• Colon and rectal cancer
• Multiple myeloma
“Cancer rates are increasing among young adults, adopting a healthy lifestyle is suggested and attention should be paid to symptoms and full family history should be taken into account so that earlier screening can be offered,” concludes Dr. Reddy.
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Source: www.hindustantimes.com