Three lifestyle factors that could explain the rise

• Expected mortality from colorectal cancer among young people in Europe It will increase by about one-third in 2024.
• Although the study was conducted in the European Union and the United Kingdom, the results reflect what is also happening in the United States.
• Scientists say obesity, low physical activity levels and alcohol may be some of the causes.

More young people than ever before in Europe are expected to die from colorectal cancer this year, and alcohol, lower activity levels and obesity may be partly to blame, according to the authors of a new study. It is said that

Cancer researchers at Italy’s University of Milan have predicted a significant increase in colorectal cancer deaths among 25-49 year olds in the EU and UK this year compared to 2018.

This study reflects what’s happening in the United States, one cancer researcher told Business Insider.

Cristina Annunziata, senior vice president for extramural discoveries at the American Cancer Society, said the findings are similar to those published in her organization’s paper. 2024 Cancer Statistics Report It was released on January 17th.

According to the report, colorectal cancerCancer, also known as colon, bowel, or rectal cancer, depending on where it occurs, is the number one cause of cancer death for men under 50 in the United States, and the second leading cause of cancer death for women in the same age group. It is the cancer with the second highest mortality rate. Their number has been increasing since the late 1990s, and actors death of chadwick boseman The 2020 colon cancer outbreak shed light on this issue.

“The percentages are a little different, but I think the trends are similar. I certainly think the comments about obesity, diet and drinking are correct,” Annunziata said.

by studyThe study, published on January 29 in the journal Annals of Oncology, found that the UK was the country with the largest increase in deaths among the countries studied, with the authors reporting 26 deaths among young men compared to 6 countries. %, and is predicted to increase by nearly 39% among young women. years ago. Smaller increases were also predicted in Italy, Germany, Spain and Poland.

To make the estimates, researchers analyzed death data from the World Health Organization and Eurostat databases for most EU member states and the UK from 1970 to 2018. They have published these predictions every year for the past 14 years.

Although they estimate that deaths from colorectal cancer will decline overall in 2024, this year is the first to predict that deaths from colorectal cancer will increase among young people.

Colorectal cancer usually has higher mortality rates in younger people

Professor Carlo La Vecchia, lead author of the study, said in a press release that colorectal cancer in younger people is more aggressive and has lower survival rates than colorectal cancer diagnosed in older people. He said there is a trend.

He believes that the main factors contributing to the increased incidence of colorectal cancer among young people are obesity and health conditions associated with excess weight, such as high blood sugar levels and diabetes.

The study also said that increased alcohol use and decreased physical activity, which have been linked to early-onset colorectal cancer, may also be contributing factors.

“Countries where alcohol consumption is decreasing, such as France and Italy, have not experienced such a significant increase in mortality from this cancer,” La Vecchia said.

He said countries with better access to screening and early diagnosis tend to have lower mortality rates. “However, the increase in mortality among young people is a concern,” he said.

Dr. Kimmy Ng, director of the Juvenile-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, commented on the increasing number of young people developing colorectal cancer. NBC Last month: “What we suspect is happening is that a combination of environmental factors is likely responsible for this, which changes our microbiome and immune system and causes this to occur at a young age. This means they may be more susceptible to these cancers.”

study author It recommended that governments consider strengthening policies to encourage people to be more active and drink less alcohol, implementing earlier cancer screenings and supporting overweight and obese people to lose weight.

Annunziata said these recommendations should also apply to the United States.

“Importantly, people should strive to maintain a healthy weight, eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in red meat, exercise regularly, and limit tobacco and alcohol use. ” she said.