by Obesity, alcohol, and lack of exercise are driving a worrying rise in bowel cancer deaths among young people in the UK, according to a new study. The research, published in the British Journal of Cancer, found that bowel cancer deaths among those aged 30-39 have increased by 13% in the past 20 years, despite a decrease in overall deaths from the disease.
The study, conducted by Cancer Research UK, examined data from the Office for National Statistics and found that the number of deaths from bowel cancer in people under 50 increased from 371 in 1996 to 418 in 2016. This rise is particularly concerning given that overall bowel cancer death rates have been falling in recent years due to better treatment and early detection.
The researchers attribute this rise in deaths among young people to a combination of lifestyle factors, including obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of exercise. These risk factors are known to increase the likelihood of developing bowel cancer, and their prevalence among young people in the UK is a cause for concern.
Obesity is a major risk factor for bowel cancer, and the UK has one of the highest rates of obesity in Europe. According to the latest figures from the World Health Organization, 63% of adults in the UK are overweight or obese. This is especially worrying among young people, as obesity in early adulthood has been linked to an increased risk of developing bowel cancer later in life.
Alcohol consumption is another significant risk factor for bowel cancer, and excessive drinking is a common behavior among young people in the UK. According to data from the Office for National Statistics, 27% of men and 20% of women aged 16-24 report drinking at least eight units of alcohol in a single day. This level of alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of developing bowel cancer, as well as other types of cancer.
Lack of exercise is also associated with an increased risk of developing bowel cancer. Engaging in regular physical activity has been shown to lower the risk of developing the disease, while a sedentary lifestyle is associated with an increased risk. Unfortunately, many young people in the UK are not meeting the recommended guidelines for physical activity, with only 51% of adults aged 19-64 meeting the recommended levels of physical activity.
The researchers behind the study have called for action to address these lifestyle risk factors and reduce the burden of bowel cancer among young people in the UK. They emphasize the need for public health campaigns to raise awareness of the link between obesity, alcohol, lack of exercise, and bowel cancer, and to encourage young people to adopt healthier lifestyles.
One promising approach is the implementation of policies to address these risk factors at a population level. For example, the UK government could introduce measures to reduce the availability and marketing of unhealthy food and beverages, particularly those high in sugar and fat. This could help to reduce obesity rates and lower the risk of developing bowel cancer among young people.
Similarly, policies aimed at reducing alcohol consumption among young people could have a significant impact on bowel cancer rates. This could include stricter regulations on the sale and marketing of alcohol, as well as campaigns to raise awareness of the health risks associated with excessive drinking.
In addition, efforts to promote physical activity among young people are urgently needed. This could include initiatives to make physical activity more accessible and attractive to young people, such as improving the quality and safety of public spaces for exercise, and promoting the benefits of physical activity through education and community programs.
It is also important to improve early detection and access to treatment for bowel cancer, particularly among young people. This could include initiatives to raise awareness of the symptoms of bowel cancer and to promote regular screening among those at higher risk, such as those with a family history of the disease.
Overall, the rise in bowel cancer deaths among young people in the UK is a cause for concern, and urgent action is needed to address the lifestyle factors that are driving this trend. By tackling obesity, alcohol consumption, and lack of exercise, it may be possible to reduce the burden of bowel cancer among young people and improve their long-term health outcomes.
