New research shows that the number of cancer cases in people under 50 globally has increased by nearly 80% in the past three decades, partly due to lifestyle.
The study, conducted by the University of Edinburgh (Scotland) and Zhejiang University School of Medicine (China), was published in the journal BMJ Oncology on September 7. The research team said the number of early-onset cancers has increased alarmingly, emphasizing the importance of research into treatment and prevention measures.
Experts compiled data from 204 countries, covering 29 types of cancer. They analyzed new cases, deaths, health implications, and risk factors for people aged 14 to 49 from 1990 to 2019.
During this time, the number of new early-onset cancers worldwide increased from 1.82 million to 3.26 million. The death rate among those aged 40, 30 or younger increased by 27%, equivalent to more than a million cancer deaths each year among patients under 50.
The incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer are the highest, at 13.7 and 3.5 per 100,000 population worldwide, respectively. Tracheal and prostate cancers have the fastest growth rates, with annual increases of 2.28% and 2.23%, respectively.
The regions most affected by early-onset cancer in 2019 were North America, Oceania and Western Europe. Low- and middle-income countries were not spared either. The regions with the highest cancer mortality rates among people under 50 were Oceania, Eastern Europe and Central Asia. In low- and middle-income countries, early-onset cancer disproportionately affects women.
Chest X-ray image of patient. Photo : AFP
"Our understanding so far is that the increase in cancer diagnoses is due to population growth, better screening technology (detecting more patients). However, part of the reason is lifestyle, smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, lack of exercise, lack of fresh fruit and vegetables," said Sayed Ali, an oncologist at St John of God Subiaco Hospital in Perth.
Unraveling the reasons behind the rise remains a challenge for experts. Data suggests that a diet high in red meat and salt, low in fruit, and tobacco and alcohol use are major risk factors for the most common cancers in people under 50.
"Since 1990, the incidence and mortality of early-onset cancer have increased significantly globally. Ways to reduce the burden of early-onset cancer include a healthy lifestyle, reasonable diet, limited tobacco and alcohol consumption, and outdoor activities," the study quoted.
Thuc Linh (According to Aljazeera )
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