6.1 C
Dorset
Monday, February 17, 2025
HomeDorset EastFood & Drink - Dorset EastStaggering Rise In Cancer By Fast Food And Sun For Younger People

Staggering Rise In Cancer By Fast Food And Sun For Younger People

The rise of cancer among young adults under 50 is an alarming global phenomenon. Once considered a disease of the elderly, cancer is now striking at younger ages, with rates climbing steeply over recent decades. According to research published in the British Medical Journal in 2023, the incidence of cancer in under-50s increased by 79% between 1990 and 2019. This sharp uptick cannot be explained by genetic factors alone, raising pressing questions about the role of environmental and lifestyle influences. Among the potential culprits are ultra-processed foods, forever chemicals, and even societal shifts such as declining birth rates.

The Colorectal Cancer Conundrum: Processed and Ultra-Processed Foods

One of the starkest examples of this rising trend is colorectal cancer. In England, its incidence in under-50s is climbing faster than almost anywhere else in the world. A major focus of research is the role of diet, particularly the consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods (UPFs).

Processed meats, such as bacon, ham, and sausages, are classified as Group 1 carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). These meats are preserved with nitrates and nitrites, compounds that can transform into carcinogenic substances in the body. Moreover, cooking these meats at high temperatures—such as grilling or frying—releases heterocyclic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are known to damage DNA and promote cancer development.

Beyond processed meats, ultra-processed foods—which make up 50–60% of energy intake in some high-income countries—are under increasing scrutiny. These include ready meals, fizzy drinks, crisps, and sweets. A 2023 study found that men in the highest fifth of UPF consumption had a 29% greater risk of developing colorectal cancer compared to those in the lowest fifth. However, researchers caution against treating UPFs as a monolithic group; the risks may stem from specific additives or processing methods rather than the foods themselves. For instance, aspartame, a common artificial sweetener in diet drinks, has been linked to potential carcinogenic effects in animal studies, though conclusive evidence in humans remains elusive.

Breast Cancer: Reproductive Factors and Forever Chemicals

Breast cancer is another disease that has seen a worrying rise in early-onset cases. Unlike colorectal cancer, this increase cannot be fully attributed to obesity or other well-known risk factors. Instead, researchers are exploring how societal shifts in reproductive patterns and exposure to harmful chemicals may contribute.

Fertility trends have changed dramatically in recent decades. Having children before the age of 30 and breastfeeding are both known to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Early pregnancies permanently alter breast tissue, making it less susceptible to malignancy, while breastfeeding reduces oestrogen levels, a hormone that can drive cell division and tumour growth. Yet, even in countries with high fertility rates, the incidence of breast cancer in younger women is climbing, suggesting other factors are at play.

One such factor is exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals.” Found in everything from non-stick cookware to food packaging, PFAS are highly resistant to breakdown in both the environment and the human body. These chemicals can mimic oestrogen or disrupt endocrine systems, potentially increasing the risk of breast cancer. Although many older PFAS compounds, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are now banned in the UK and EU, they persist in the environment and our bloodstreams. Meanwhile, newer PFAS are being introduced, with their health impacts still largely unknown.

Skin Cancer: The Role of UV and Overdiagnosis

Skin cancer, particularly melanoma, is also on the rise among under-50s, though its increase appears less dramatic than other cancers. Sunburn, caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, remains the primary risk factor. UVB rays damage DNA directly, while UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and cause oxidative stress, both of which can lead to cancerous mutations.

Public awareness campaigns have long advised using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding sunbeds, yet compliance varies. Young adults are particularly prone to neglecting sun safety, despite being more likely to experience sunburn. Additionally, the rise in skin cancer cases may partially stem from overdiagnosis. Advances in diagnostic technologies have made it easier to detect early-stage lesions, but this has also led to a higher likelihood of false positives, raising questions about whether all detected melanomas are clinically significant.

The Broader Picture: Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

While specific risk factors vary by cancer type, several overarching themes emerge. Diet, lifestyle, and environmental exposures appear to play significant roles in the rising cancer burden among young adults. For instance, obesity has more than doubled globally since 1990, increasing the risk of at least 13 types of cancer by promoting inflammation and hormonal imbalances. Alcohol and tobacco use, though less prevalent among younger generations in many high-income countries, remain major contributors to cancer risk.

Environmental pollutants, from air pollution to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, are also under scrutiny. For example, microplastics and chemical additives found in everyday products may have long-term health effects that are not yet fully understood. Similarly, modern agricultural practices and food production methods introduce pesticides, antibiotics, and other substances into our diets, the cumulative impact of which is difficult to measure.

A Call to Action: Prevention and Awareness

Addressing the rising tide of early-onset cancers requires a multi-faceted approach. Public health campaigns must focus on educating younger populations about cancer risks, from dietary choices to sun protection. Policies to regulate harmful chemicals, improve food labelling, and promote healthier lifestyles are equally crucial. Meanwhile, further research is needed to unravel the complex interplay between genetics, environment, and behaviour in cancer development.

Ultimately, the fight against cancer is not just a medical challenge but a societal one. By recognising and addressing the root causes of this crisis, we can hope to reverse the troubling trends and ensure healthier futures for generations to come.

To report this post you need to login first.
Dorset Eye
Dorset Eye
Dorset Eye is an independent not for profit news website built to empower all people to have a voice. To be sustainable Dorset Eye needs your support. Please help us to deliver independent citizen news... by clicking the link below and contributing. Your support means everything for the future of Dorset Eye. Thank you.

DONATE

Dorset Eye Logo

DONATE

- Advertisment -

Most Popular