The increase in cases of cancer in young people, particularly those related to the gastrointestinal systemis challenging the scientific community and global health systems.
While cancer rates in older adults have decreased in recent years, diagnoses in those under 50 years of age increased significantly.
According to The Wall Street Journalin the United States the colon cancer It is now the leading cause of cancer death in young men and the second in women, surpassed only by breast cancer.
The phenomenon is related to multiple risk factors that researchers are trying to unravel.
Among the possible causes, diets high in processed meats, alcohol, added sugars and fats are presented as the main suspects.
Obesity, sedentary lifestyle and excessive drinking are also correlated with cancer riskaccording to preliminary studies led by teams at institutions such as the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Mass General Cancer Center.
Although these investigations identified connections between these factors and certain types of cancer, they could not establish direct causal relationships.
Obesity and alcohol are priority focuses for researchers. For example, a group led by doctors Andrew Chan y Yin Cao is exploring how changes in diet and gut microbiome composition could modify the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
In parallel, clinical trials are being designed to evaluate the impact of weight loss medications, such as Ozempic, on the prevention of this disease.
The intestine, with its complex community of bacteria and other microorganisms, emerges as a possible epicenter in the development of gastrointestinal cancer.
According to Dr. Jordan Kharofa, del University of Cincinnati Cancer Centercertain diets—high in processed meats and alcohol, but low in fruits and vegetables—promote the formation of hydrogen sulfide by intestinal bacteria, which could inflame the colon and increase the risk of cancer.
However, the microbiome can also be altered by external factors, such as prolonged antibiotic use, which affect its balance.
Although a team in California analyzed medical records and found no strong correlation with the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, researchers still think they could have a long-term role.
Beyond diet, researchers are exploring environmental factors, such as exposure to artificial light and changes in circadian rhythm.
In experiments with mice, biologist Selma Masri, from the University of CaliforniaIrvine, found that disruption of the biological clock affects both the diversity of the gut microbiota and the levels of mucus that protect the lining of the intestine.
These changes are associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Masri also points out the impact of increasing light pollution, coming from devices like mobile phones and laptopsin promoting the proliferation of cancer cells.
While researchers were able to identify patterns and associated risks, some cases remain unexplained.
“We see patients who lead healthy lifestyles and still “They arrive at the clinic with advanced colon cancer at the age of 33”says Dr. Marwan Fakih, of the City of Hope en California.
Additionally, warning messages about the risks of alcohol are gaining traction. The US Surgeon General recently recommended that alcoholic beverages include labels that warn about its connection with cancer, highlighting the urgency of awareness campaigns.
Faced with this complex panorama, the scientific community proposes prioritizing action based on solid evidence. Experts seek to identify effective preventive measures, from dietary changes to innovative medical interventions.
As Dr. Chan summarizes, “We are all concerned and want to act quickly, but we must do so based on rigorous science”.
The increase in cancer in young people is an enigma that requires urgent answers. As researchers delve into the role of the gut, diet and environment, efforts to understand and prevent this trend are essential to protect the health of future generations.
