Reasons and Prevention Measures for the Surge in Cancer Cases Among Young Adults Reported in the U.S. and U.K.
In recent years, shocking news has been reported about the increase in “early-onset cancers” (cancers diagnosed between the ages of 14 and 49) around the world.
A study published in the Journal of the British Medical Association found that over the past 30 years, the number of new cancer cases under the age of 50 has increased by approximately 80%. A report in the Journal of the American Medical Association also points to a particular increase in cancer incidence among younger people.
Why, exactly, is the number of young people with cancer rising so rapidly? And what can we do to protect ourselves from this threat?
Healthy lifestyle is a privilege
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that Generation X (born between 1965 and 1980) is at higher risk of developing the following types of cancer than the Baby Boomer generation (born between 1946 and 1964)
Women
Thyroid cancer
Kidney cancer
Rectal cancer
Uterine cancer
Colon cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Ovarian cancer
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Leukemia
Men
Thyroid cancer
Kidney cancer
Rectal cancer
Colon cancer
Prostate cancer
On the other hand, some cancers were less common than in Generation X.
For women
Lung cancer
Cervical cancer
For men
Lung cancer
Liver cancer
Gallbladder cancer
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
However, these decreases were not enough to offset the increased risk of the types of cancers.
The researchers discuss their findings as follows
- the problem is that in recent years, eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise has become a “privilege” for many people, influenced by economic disparities, insurance coverage, and housing conditions.
- related to accelerated aging?
It has been suggested that the rapid increase in cancer cases among young people may be related to accelerated aging.
A study by the University of Washington School of Medicine found that those born after 1965 had a 17% higher biological age than those born between 1950 and 1954.
Biological age, as opposed to calendar age, refers to a person’s physical condition. In this study, biological age was calculated by analyzing nine biomarkers in blood.
Researchers found an association between accelerated biological age and increased risk of early onset of lung, digestive, and uterine cancers.
diet and exercise habits influence
Factors that influence biological age include diet, exercise level, and smoking habits.
Genetic factors may also be involved.
what you can do now
To prevent cancer, it is important to pay attention to the following
Improve your sedentary lifestyle and make exercise a habit.
Consume less instant and processed foods and more vegetables, fruits, seafood, etc.
Get enough sleep
Quit smoking
Get regular checkups
By practicing these habits today, you can slow the aging process and reduce your risk of cancer.
further research and social efforts are needed
Further research and social efforts are needed to solve the problem of the rapid increase in the number of cancer patients among young people.
Elucidation of the mechanism of cancer development in young people
Development of effective prevention methods
Correction of health disparities
Creating an environment in which everyone can lead a healthy life
By addressing these issues, we will be able to reduce the number of cancer patients among young people and realize a society where more people can live healthy lives in the future!。