Understanding the Rising Cancer Rates in Young People
Cancer has long been considered a disease predominantly affecting older individuals. However, recent trends indicate an unsettling rise in cancer rates among people under 50. A recent investigation by ABC’s 4 Corners suggests that chemicals, particularly plastics, might be contributing to this increase. This raises critical questions: What evidence supports this claim, and what actions can be taken to address the issue?
Traditionally, cancer is more prevalent in older populations due to the accumulation of DNA mutations over time. Each cell in the human body contains DNA, which can mutate and lead to cancer. As we age, the likelihood of these mutations increases, primarily because the body becomes less efficient at identifying and eliminating mutated cells. This explains why cancer is more common in older adults.
Potential Causes of Cancer in Younger Populations
The rising cancer rates in younger demographics are particularly concerning because they suggest the involvement of environmental factors that are not yet fully understood. Environmental factors encompass a wide range of influences, including chemicals, viruses, bacteria, lifestyle choices, and diet. These factors can increase the likelihood of DNA mutations or directly damage DNA, heightening cancer risk.
For instance, ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is a well-documented cause of skin cancer, while smoking is a known risk factor for lung cancer. Public health campaigns have successfully reduced the incidence of these cancers in Australians under 50 over the past three decades. However, other cancers, such as those affecting the liver, pancreas, prostate, breast, and kidney, are on the rise among young people, a trend observed globally, especially in wealthier, Western nations.
The Role of Chemicals and Plastics
Researchers are actively investigating the potential causes behind these increasing cancer rates, with chemicals being a focal point. Modern life exposes individuals to a greater variety of chemicals than previous generations, including air pollutants, food additives, and plastics. While most chemicals linked to cancer are typically encountered in industrial settings, the omnipresence of plastics is a growing concern.
Experts agree that plastics pose a significant risk to human health and the environment. However, pinpointing specific plastics responsible for particular health issues, such as cancer, remains challenging due to the vast number of plastic types and the multitude of environmental factors individuals are exposed to daily. Consequently, identifying a single “smoking gun” responsible for the rise in early-onset cancer rates is difficult.
Case Study: Bowel Cancer in Young Adults
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, illustrates the complexity of this issue. While rates of bowel cancer in older adults are declining, likely due to improved screening and early intervention, early-onset bowel cancer is becoming more common. Some speculate that increased exposure to plastics, such as nano- or micro-plastics and chemicals like PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances), may contribute to this trend.
Other potential factors include diet, lifestyle choices, and the microbiome’s role in cancer risk. Obesity and alcohol consumption have been linked to higher cancer rates, while certain bacterial toxins may also increase bowel cancer risk.
Mitigating Cancer Risk
Although there is no conclusive evidence directly linking chemicals to the rise in cancer rates among young people, this remains an area of active research. Reducing exposure to plastics and chemicals is advisable for overall health. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise and a balanced diet can help lower cancer risk.
Individuals with concerns, particularly those with a family history of cancer, should consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice. The ongoing research efforts by organizations like Cure Cancer Australia and Cancer Council Victoria, as well as institutions like the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, continue to shed light on these pressing health issues.
Sarah Diepstraten receives funding from Cure Cancer Australia and My Room Children’s Cancer Charity. John (Eddie) La Marca is affiliated with the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute and the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, receiving support from Cancer Council Victoria.
