New research published in The Lancet has shown that younger people are increasingly being diagnosed with a variety of cancers. Researchers from the American Cancer Society analyzed data from more than 23 million people diagnosed with 35 types of cancer between 2000 and 2019, as well as more than 7 million people who died from 25 types of cancer.
The data obtained show that there is a significant increase in cancer cases among younger groups, especially small intestine, kidney, pancreas, liver and bile duct cancer.
The study found that cancer rates among men and women born in 1990 were two to three times higher than those born in 1955. Women born in 1990 in particular had higher rates of liver and bile duct cancer.
Conversely, some types of cancer, such as breast cancer and colon cancer, have decreased in older age groups but increased in younger people.
Risk factors
The study highlights the need to identify and eliminate major risk factors contributing to the increased risk of cancer in younger generations. Factors such as obesity, diet and antibiotics are thought to play a role.
It is also mentioned in the study “Chemical substances are widespread in the environment”likely contains microplastics as a serious problem.
Microplastics could be a serious problem
Microplastics, which are ubiquitous in the environment, are suspected of contributing to rising cancer rates among young people. Microplastic particles have even been found in human tissues, including testicles, raising concerns about their potential health effects.
A study conducted last year by Tufts University in Massachusetts found that microplastics can cause inflammatory reactions in human intestinal cells, potentially leading to diseases such as cancer.
These findings highlight the urgent need for further research into the effects of microplastics and other chemicals on human health.
What do scientists say?
Given the new information, there are increasing calls for early cancer detection among young people. Raising awareness and early detection can be crucial to reducing the impact of this hidden threat on young people.