There is an increase in colon cancer cases in people under 50. The good news, however, is that young people are at less risk. The findings of a new study on colon cancer incidents in people under 50 are reference.

This study, published in The Lancet, found that such cases of cancer are dramatically increased in 27 of the 50 countries and areas under consideration.

However, the overall picture is complicated when taking into account some other countries in which cancer deaths in the large intestine are reduced. In Germany, for example, they have decreased by 17% over the last 20 years, while the image is similar to the rest of Europe. This is due to “the reduction of smokers, but also to the best diagnoses and treatments for cancer”, as researcher Carlo La Vekia from the University of Milan points out on DW. Mortality rates are significantly reduced in both patients over 70, but also in general, which is a “reason for optimism”, according to La Vecia.

Michael Bretthauer, a medical professor at the University of Oslo, also tells DW that “mortality rates were about 50-60%, but have now fallen to 20-30%. And this is a great success. “

Increase of mortality in young people?

Mortality, however, has an increasing tendency in patients under 50. In Italy, Poland and Spain, mortality among young men increased by 5-7%, while female patients in Germany also occur. In the United Kingdom, mortality has increased by 26%.

“There is a reverse trend in patients under 50, especially in the United Kingdom but also in other European countries,” La Vecia observes, adding that this is also due to increasing rates of obesity.

According to Bretthauer, however, the absolute numbers of people under 50 suffering from colon cancer are extremely low and therefore are not of particular concern: “If we look at the risk to a complete degree and not by proportion, the rates are very low,” the expert stresses.

Mortality in Germany, for example, for people under 50 is 2,53 per 100,000 people – while for the over 70 the ratio is 164 per 100,000.

“Colon cancer is primarily a disease associated with aging. That is why we observe fewer incidents in developing countries with a younger population, “Bretthauer said. ‘If you are 30 or 40 years old, […] The risk is very low. “

What causes colon cancer?

According to the expert, scientists are able to understand the “risk factors” that may affect the development of the disease, but have not yet found exactly how cancer is caused.

Smoking, obesity and nutrition are risk factors, but there is insufficient scientific evidence of exactly how they directly affect the disease.

“Obesity is a serious factor, but smoking is even more dangerous. The diet is also important, but there are mixed elements. For example, there may be no connection between red meat and colon cancer. However, we do not really know how these factors cause colon cancer, “Bretthaower points out.

The alcohol factor

At the same time, to prevent cancer in the large intestine seems to be beneficial and a decrease in alcohol consumption, as reports a recent report of which.

Beatrice Loboba, head, head of his research and program to prevent cancer, explains that there is a direct connection between alcohol and the particular disease.

“Ethanol – the main alcohol in alcoholic beverages – is converted into acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde is genotoxic and causes DNA damage, thus causing carcinogenic mutations. Acetaldehyde then alters the composition of the gut, which leads to intestinal permeability. This causes inflammation, which is known to increase the risk of cancer, “the lobby-blocked DW says.

Reducing or discontinuation of alcohol consumption can therefore reverse the long -term effects of alcohol on our body, especially by limiting DNA damage – and within a few months of starting abstinence from alcoholic beverages.

At a time when the aging of populations is growing, the anxiety about cancers is growing with it. That is why we need to change our habits, as the lobby-clumps-“not smoke, reduce alcohol consumption and keep our weight on healthy levels.”

Curated by: George Passas