Why are more adults than ever getting cancer younger? - The Global Story podcast, BBC World Service

Summary

In this episode of *The Global Story*, Jonny Dymond discusses the alarming rise in cancer diagnoses among younger people, with cases increasing by 80% over the last three decades. Joined by Dr. David Cox, a former neuroscientist turned freelance science journalist, the conversation explores possible reasons behind this surge, such as lifestyle factors, obesity, and modern living. The rise of more aggressive cancers and the challenges in early detection are highlighted, with a particular focus on cancers like colorectal and breast cancer. Experts stress the need for increased awareness and research to address the rising trend and improve early detection.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cancer cases are rising significantly among younger people, with an 80% increase in the last three decades.
• 😀 While treatments are advancing, cancers in younger individuals tend to be more aggressive and harder to detect early.
• 😀 Dr. David Cox highlights the role of electronic health records in identifying this trend of rising cancer rates among the under-50s.
• 😀 Studies indicate that colorectal cancer is one of the major types of cancer increasing in younger populations, with other cancers like breast and pancreatic cancer also showing upward trends.
• 😀 The biology of cancers in younger people appears to differ, with tumors often being more aggressive and advancing faster.
• 😀 Delayed cancer detection in younger people is partly due to doctors not expecting cancer in patients who are young, leading to missed warning signs and later diagnoses.
• 😀 The rise in cancer rates seems to be more prominent in higher-income countries like the US, UK, Japan, and Australia.
• 😀 The causes of this rise in cancer are still unclear, with theories suggesting new environmental and lifestyle factors like artificial light, disrupted sleep cycles, and antibiotic exposure may be contributing.
• 😀 Obesity is linked to increased cancer risk, but many younger cancer patients are healthy and fit, indicating that factors beyond obesity, like modern lifestyle changes, might play a role.
• 😀 Younger women, particularly those who have children later or choose not to have children, are seeing an increase in breast cancer diagnoses, potentially due to longer exposure to estrogen.
• 😀 Governments are currently not responding to the rise in cancer among younger people due to a lack of clear evidence, though raising awareness and more research funding are essential steps moving forward.

Q & A

What is the main concern discussed in the transcript regarding cancer rates?

The main concern is the significant increase in cancer rates among younger people, particularly those under 50, with cases rising by 80% over the last three decades.

How did the rise in cancer rates among younger people first come to light?

The rise was first noticed due to the digitalization of health data, with electronic health records enabling scientists to track cancer trends more effectively starting in the late 80s and early 90s.

What types of cancer are most commonly seen in younger people, according to Dr. Cox?

The most commonly seen cancers in younger people include colorectal cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, and cancers of the throat.

How do cancers in younger people differ from those in older people?

Cancers in younger people tend to be more aggressive and progress faster due to differences in the cancer's biology and delayed detection, often when the cancer has spread.

What are some possible reasons for the rise in cancer cases among younger people?

Potential reasons include increasing rates of obesity, exposure to artificial light, poor sleep patterns, increased antibiotic use, and changes in diet such as a rise in ultra-processed foods.

Is there any evidence to suggest the rise in cancer cases is linked to lifestyle factors?

Yes, lifestyle factors such as poor diet, obesity, lack of sleep, and excessive exposure to artificial light are suspected to contribute to the rise in cancer rates, though more research is needed to confirm the exact causes.

How does artificial light exposure relate to cancer risk?

Artificial light exposure disrupts the sleep cycle, which affects melatonin levels. Since melatonin has a protective effect against cancer, disrupted sleep and higher light exposure could potentially increase cancer risk.

Why might young women be more vulnerable to developing cancer?

Young women may be more vulnerable due to prolonged exposure to estrogen, especially as they are having children later in life or not having children at all. Estrogen promotes cell division, and excessive exposure can increase the risk of developing cancers like breast cancer.

What role does antibiotic use play in the rising cancer rates?

Increased antibiotic use over the years has altered the gut microbiome, potentially repopulating it with harmful bacteria like E. coli, which can produce toxins that increase the risk of colorectal and other cancers.

What is being done to address the rise in cancer among younger people?

To tackle the rise, experts suggest raising awareness among both the public and medical professionals, improving early detection and screening, and increasing research funding to better understand the causes of this trend.