Colon cancer in adolescents: lifestyle changes as the main cause?

Colon cancer in adolescents: lifestyle changes as the main cause?

Colorectal cancer is on the rise worldwide and, alarmingly, the disease is increasingly affecting younger people. Experts attribute this to our modern lifestyle, which has changed drastically and appears to be less healthy than before. An interesting question that arises here: Why are more and more people under the age of 50 getting this insidious disease?

Since 2019, people in Germany aged 50 and over have had access to important preventive examinations that are intended to help detect intestinal diseases at an early stage. Nevertheless, statistics show that cases of colorectal cancer among those under 50 are increasing significantly, highlighting the urgency of countering this trend. In the USA, for example, the number of young adults developing colon cancer is increasing alarmingly - a trend that can also be observed internationally.

The increase in illnesses

Colon cancer is the second most common cancer after lung and bronchial cancer. The numbers speak for themselves: Compared to 1990, there was an increase of almost 80 percent in the number of people under 50 in 2019. The use of modern medical technology, such as colonoscopies, leads to earlier diagnoses, but changed lifestyle factors also seem to play a decisive role.

Statistics suggest that one in two Germans will develop cancer in their lifetime. What is particularly alarming is the fact that cancer treatments make up a very large proportion of all stays in German hospitals. This shows how relevant the topic of cancer is for the population.

Lifestyle influences

Cancer, including colon cancer, can be influenced by a variety of factors. The best-known risk factors include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and being overweight. In Germany, the weight of more than half of adults is above the normal weight, which particularly affects young adults. A quarter of the EU population aged 18 to 24 is overweight, making it likely that this trend is linked to rising rates of bowel cancer.

The causes of obesity are varied: A combination of a high-calorie diet and a lack of exercise are common factors. In addition, psychological stress and lack of sleep also play a role. These lifestyle factors have a direct impact on the health of young people and increase the risk of serious illnesses.

As a precautionary measure, it has been possible in Germany since 2019 for the age group between 50 and 54 years to carry out an immunological stool test every year. This examination can provide information about possible intestinal problems, while men and women of certain ages are also entitled to colonoscopies. The effectiveness of these programs is reflected in the reduced death rate from colon cancer in recent years.

The problem of an overweight lifestyle, combined with colon cancer that is often detected late, suggests that lowering the minimum age for preventive examinations might make sense. In order to significantly improve early detection and thus the chances of recovery, younger people could also benefit from such preventative measures.

In summary, there is a worrying trend that needs more attention. Colon cancer isn't just an old man's disease; The increasing number of illness-related diagnoses among people under 50 is a clear sign that society should rethink and adapt its health strategies.