Roundup: Concerning Rise in Gastrointestinal Cancers in Young Adults; and More News

Rates of Early-Onset Gastrointestinal Cancers Rising in Those Under 50

Cases of early-onset gastrointestinal (GI) cancers have surged significantly over the past decade in younger adults, according to a new study by the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

These trends, detailed in a review published in the British Journal of Surgery, reveal not only a rise in colorectal cancer in younger adults -- but also increases in pancreatic, esophageal, and stomach cancers, as well as rarer conditions like appendix, biliary, and neuroendocrine tumors.

The most striking increases are seen among the youngest age groups.

The term "early-onset" refers to cancers diagnosed in younger individuals, typically before the age of 50. Historically, GI cancers were predominantly found in older adults, primarily those in their 60s and 70s. However, the study’s findings point to a sharp demographic shift, with younger populations now increasingly affected.

Between 2010 and 2019, the number of new early-onset GI cancer cases grew by 14.8 percent, the study found. Researchers also point to a disproportionate impact on individuals who are Black, Hispanic, Indigenous, or women—groups already vulnerable to health disparities.

Colorectal cancer, the most common early-onset GI cancer, illustrates this trend. People born in 1990 are twice as likely to develop colon cancer and four times as likely to develop rectal cancer, compared to individuals born in 1950. Moreover, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that colorectal cancer rates have more than tripled among teens aged 15 to 19 and nearly doubled for individuals aged 20-24, the researchers note.

While the increases are most noticeable in individuals aged 40-49, the steepest rise in cancer rates occurs in younger groups under 40.

What’s Causing the Surge?

The exact reasons behind the rising rates of early-onset GI cancers remain unclear. However, researchers have identified contributing factors that could be at play, particularly modern lifestyle changes and linked health conditions.

Many GI cancer risk factors stem from behaviors or habits that individuals can work to change. These include:

• Obesity: A major concern, as it nearly doubles the risk of colorectal and pancreatic cancers.

• Sedentary Lifestyle: A lack of physical activity is linked to a range of health issues, including cancer.

• Diet: High consumption of processed foods is increasingly associated with gut health problems and higher cancer risk.

• Alcohol Use: Heavy drinking is cited as a factor that doubles the risk of gastric (stomach) cancer.

• Smoking: Known to raise the risk of various cancers significantly, smoking is a preventable risk factor.

“One of the best things you can do for your health is to stop smoking,” emphasized study co-author Sara Char, M.D., a medical oncology fellow at Dana-Farber, in a news release.  “Reducing alcohol use and incorporating lifestyle changes such as getting regular excise and minimizing processed foods are also positive choices.”

Underlying Medical Conditions

Some health conditions may predispose younger individuals to GI cancers. For example:

• Fatty Liver Disease and Diabetes are linked to higher risks of GI cancers.

• Acid Reflux, a common condition, is associated with esophageal and stomach cancers over time.

Dr. Char pointed to the importance of regular medical checkups and preventive care as tools to help manage these risks and protect against long-term complications.

Another piece of the puzzle involves inherited genetic mutations. The study found that genetic predisposition plays a more significant role in early-onset cancers than in their later-onset counterparts. Knowing one’s family medical history can be key to early detection and intervention.

Staying Proactive: Prevention and Detection

Although understanding all the drivers behind early-onset GI cancers will take more research, individuals can take immediate steps to reduce their risk. Preventive actions include:

1. Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Managing BMI through a balanced diet and regular exercise can reduce risks of several cancers.

2. Limiting Alcohol and Smoking: Cutting back on alcohol use and stopping smoking dramatically lower cancer risk.

3. Eating Healthy Foods: Minimizing processed foods and incorporating whole fruits, vegetables, and fibers support better digestion and general health.

4. Staying Up to Date on Screenings: Early detection is crucial. Speak with your doctor about when to begin cancer screenings, especially if you have a family history of GI cancers.

Health of U.S. Children has Declined since 2007, New Study Reveals

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has revealed alarming trends in the health of children in the United States. Over the past two decades, the health of U.S. kids has significantly worsened across multiple indicators, including chronic diseases, obesity, mental health, and even mortality rates.

“The health of U.S. children has worsened across a wide range of health indicator domains over the past 17 years,” reads the conclusion of the study. “ The broad scope of this deterioration highlights the need to identify and address the root causes of this fundamental decline in the nation’s health.”

The study, led by Christopher Forrest, M.D., a professor of pediatrics at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and his team, analyzed data from 2007 to 2023, drawing from national surveys, electronic health records, and mortality statistics. The results indicate that U.S. children are now 15-20 percent more likely to have a chronic condition compared to just a decade ago.

Conditions such as obesity, depression, anxiety, and sleep apnea have all seen significant increases. Additionally, developmental issues such as autism, ADHD, and behavioral problems are on the rise.

Perhaps most concerning is the mortality rate among children, researchers point out. Compared to their peers in other high-income countries, U.S. kids are 80 percent more likely to die before adulthood. For infants, the leading causes of death include premature birth and sudden unexpected infant death (SUID). For older children and teens, gun violence, motor vehicle accidents, and substance abuse are the primary culprits.

The Bigger Picture

Dr. Forrest notes that these trends reflect a broader decline in children's overall health. This decline is not limited to physical health. Reports of loneliness, poor sleep, and limited physical activity have also increased, highlighting the interconnected nature of physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

The study also underscores the disparities in health outcomes between the U.S. and other high-income nations. In the 1960s, American children had similar survival rates to their European counterparts. Today, the gap has widened dramatically, with U.S. children faring far worse.

Root Causes and Policy Implications

Experts point to several factors contributing to this decline. One major issue is the lack of universal healthcare coverage in the U.S. Unlike countries like Canada or the United Kingdom, where all children have access to healthcare, many U.S. kids face barriers to receiving the care they need. Recent cuts to Medicaid are likely to exacerbate this problem.

Other contributing factors include the rise in ultra-processed foods, reduced physical activity, and the mental health toll of social media and modern life. Policies that undermine public health initiatives, such as cuts to injury prevention programs and vaccine skepticism, further compound the issue.

What Can Be Done?

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, researchers say. Policymakers must prioritize children's health by expanding access to healthcare, funding public health programs, and addressing social determinants of health. Parents and caregivers can also play a role by promoting healthy habits at home, such as balanced diets, regular exercise, and open conversations about mental health, researchers emphasize.

Researchers: Your Personality Shapes Your Fitness Journey

Finding motivation to exercise is often a significant hurdle in maintaining an active lifestyle. A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology demonstrates how personality traits can influence not only the types of exercise individuals enjoy -- but also their engagement and the stress-reducing benefits of being active.

The study, conducted by researchers from University College London (UCL), explores how personality affects exercise behavior. Flaminia Ronca, Ph.D., from UCL’s Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health explained in a news release: “We found that our personality can influence how we engage with exercise, and particularly which forms of exercise we enjoy the most.”

For example, extroverts are more likely to thrive in group or high-intensity activities like team sports. Conversely, others may prefer private, high-intensity workouts, but generally require regular breaks to sustain their engagement. Other traits, such as conscientiousness and openness, also play a role. While highly conscientious individuals tend to exercise consistently even without deriving enjoyment, those high in openness are often driven by curiosity, making them eager to try new activities.

This personalized approach to fitness could be key to helping individuals stick with exercise routines in the long term. In a news release, Paul Burgess, professor and a senior author of the study, highlighted that “understanding personality factors in designing and recommending physical activity programs is likely to be very important in determining how successful a program is, and whether people will stick with it and become fitter.”

Exercise and Stress Reduction

The study revealed another significant benefit of aligning exercise with personality types—stress reduction. Participants in an eight-week fitness intervention, involving cycling and strength training, displayed notable reductions in stress, particularly those with higher neuroticism scores.

“It's fantastic news, as it highlights that those who benefit the most from a reduction in stress respond very well to exercise,” said Dr. Ronca. Importantly, participants' stress levels were comparable at the start of the program, but only those who actively engaged in the fitness intervention experienced these improvements by its conclusion.

The Importance of Finding Enjoyable Activities

Ultimately, the researchers emphasize the importance of finding physical activities that resonate on an individual level. Enjoying exercise can transform it from a chore into a lifestyle habit.

Prof. Burgess added: “We hope that if people can find physical activities that they enjoy they will more readily choose to do them. After all, we don’t have to nag dogs to go for a walk. But for some reason, many of us humans seem poor at picking up on these messages.”