Obesity and alcohol consumption are believed to be key drivers behind a concerning surge in global cancer cases among younger individuals, according to a recent study.
The research, conducted by experts from the University of Edinburgh and the Zhejiang University School of Medicine in China, has shed light on a troubling trend. Their analysis suggests that there has been a substantial 79% increase in new cancer cases among those aged under 50 from 1990 to 2019.
Notably, the study indicates that factors like obesity and alcohol consumption have significantly contributed to this worldwide upswing in cancer cases.
The study’s team delved into data from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 Study, examining 29 different types of cancer across 204 countries and regions. They focused on new cases, fatalities, health implications, and risk factors among individuals aged 14 to 49, calculating an annual percentage change for each year.
In 2019, there were a staggering 1.8 million new cancer diagnoses in people under 50, representing a daunting 79.1% surge since 1990. Moreover, cancer-related deaths in this age group also saw a notable increase of 27.7%.
While genetic factors are believed to have played a role in this upward trend, the study’s authors point to key lifestyle factors as the primary culprits. These include smoking, alcohol consumption, and diets rich in meat and salt but lacking in fruits and dairy products, which are considered the “main risk factors.” Additionally, excess weight, low physical activity, and high blood sugar levels were identified as contributing factors.
Among the various types of cancer, breast cancer accounted for the largest proportion of cases, with 13.7 cases per 100,000 individuals. Notably, cases of windpipe and prostate cancer demonstrated the most rapid growth, increasing at rates of 2.28% and 2.23% per year, respectively.
