New Study Uncovers the Biggest Risk Factor for Colon Cancer in Under 35s — and it will Shock You
Colon cancer cases are soaring in young people, alarming experts and leaving doctors scrambling for answers as to why.
A New Study Offers Clues
A study published by a team of international researchers in the journal Neoplasia offers new clues. The study analyzed “very early-onset colorectal cancers” — defined as a diagnosis before the age of 35 — and found three main risk factors.
The Top Three Risk Factors
A diet deficient in calcium was considered the highest risk factor, linked to approximately one in five deaths from colon cancer in the very young. Alarmingly, a diet low in calcium and high in alcohol, as well as obesity, could contribute to colon cancer in young people.
Other Factors Considered
Alcohol consumption was determined as the second largest risk factor, while obesity was determined to be the third. Interestingly, a study published earlier this month suggested a link between consuming one large glass of milk per day with a lowered risk of colon cancer in women specifically.
A Global Epidemic
A surge in colon cancer cases among young people has alarmed experts in recent years. According to the study, global colon cancer cases in people under 35 years old almost doubled between 1990 and 2019, from 21,874 to 41,545.
Disproportionate Affect on Men
In those under 35, the disease also appeared to disproportionately affect men. In 2019, data showed that there were 25,432 cases in men while there were only 16,113 cases among women.
A Growing Health Concern
Global deaths also increased during that analyzed time period from 11,445 to 15,486, according to the study, which linked a diet low in milk and calcium, alcohol use, and high body mass index as “main contributors to deaths.” Surprisingly, lack of exercise and smoking reportedly had “less contribution to deaths.”
Expert Insights
Experts have also examined environmental triggers, ultra-processed foods or certain diets as causes for colon cancer, which is diagnosed in 107,320 Americans annually. While it is typically considered a disease that disproportionately affects older populations, colon cancer — which causes rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, changes in stool habits, weight loss, anemia, and fatigue — has surged in all age groups.
A Call to Action
“It’s been pretty alarming to all of us,” Dr. Coral Olazagasti, an assistant professor of clinical medical oncology at University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, previously told The Post. “In the past, you would think cancer was a disease of the elderly population. But now we’ve been seeing trends in recent years of people getting diagnosed with cancer earlier and earlier.”
Conclusion
The study highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy diet, being mindful of alcohol consumption, and addressing obesity to reduce the risk of colon cancer in young people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the top three risk factors for colon cancer in under 35s?
A: A diet deficient in calcium, alcohol consumption, and obesity.
Q: How has colon cancer cases in under 35s changed over time?
A: Global colon cancer cases in people under 35 years old almost doubled between 1990 and 2019.
Q: Is colon cancer more common in men or women under 35?
A: According to the study, colon cancer appears to disproportionately affect men under 35.
