Increase in cancer among those under 50: 12 habits to change to reduce the risk

Cancer cases among 14-49 year olds jumped by nearly 80%, from 1.82 million to 3.26 million, between 1990 and 2019, according to the study published in the British journal BMJ Oncology.

+ 28% cancer deaths before age 50 compared to 1990

While experts warn that part of this increase is due to population growth, previous research has noted increasingly frequent cancer diagnoses among those under 50.

As the main underlying risk factors in this age group, the international team behind the new study pointed to poor diet, smoking and alcohol.

But the cause of early cancer growth”still not clear“, they added.

Just over a million people under the age of 50 died of cancer in 2019 (+28% compared to 1990), according to the study. The deadliest cancers were those of the breast, trachea, lung, intestine and stomach.

ENT cancer on the rise, liver cancer on the decline

Breast cancer has been the most frequently diagnosed for three decades. But the fastest growing cancers are those of the nasopharynx – where the back of the nose meets the top of the throat – and the prostate. Conversely, liver cancer decreased by 2.9% per year.

The researchers used data from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study, analyzing the rates of 29 different cancers in 204 countries. The more developed the country, the higher the rate of cancer among those under 50, according to the study.

This could suggest that wealthier countries with better healthcare systems detect cancer earlier. But only a few countries screen people under 50 for certain cancers, the researchers note.

A number of cancers expected to increase by 31% by 2030

And the number of cancer cases in the world among people under 50 is expected to increase by another 31% by 2030, mainly among people aged 40 to 49, according to a model carried out by the researchers. They note, however, that cancer data from different countries varies widely, with developing countries potentially underreporting cases and deaths.

Causes that remain to be confirmed

Besides poor diet, smoking and alcohol consumption, genetic factors, physical inactivity and obesity could also contribute to this trend, according to the study.

At the beginning of September, another American study reached the same conclusions and the scientists also judged that early detection, even if it is increasingly effective nowadays, does not explain the increase in the incidence of these cancers. An opinion shared by our expert, Dr Ivan Pourmir, oncologist at the Georges Pompidou European Hospital who estimated that: “One of the explanations commonly given for this phenomenon is that the figures are artificially inflated by facilitating the diagnosis of cancer even though the real frequency of cancer in the population remains the same. Indeed, the evolution of screening practices, the improvement of detection techniques, the greater use of imaging examinations (such as CT scans) leading to incidental diagnoses, can influence the figures for certain cancers. The authors recognize this possibility but they rightly point out that this affects cancers, such as that of the pancreas for example, which are not screened for and are most often revealed by symptoms. So that would be a partial explanation.”.

The authors had hypothesized that factors such as Westernized diet and lifestyle could contribute to the early-onset cancer epidemic. Without forgetting “exposure to carcinogenic substances, such as pesticides, via food is obviously an important avenue to explain the rest” recalled Ivan Pourmir.

12 habits to rethink to reduce risk

During its latest prevention campaign, the National Cancer Institute recalled the habits allowing everyone to reduce their risk of cancer

The tobacco

Every year tobacco is linked to 68,000 new cases of cancer and 45,000 deaths. 17 types of cancer are affected, including the lungs, mouth, esophagus, and bladder.

The alcohol

Alcohol is the second preventable risk factor for cancer and represents 8% of cases or 28,000 new cases with eight cancer locations, including those of the breast, colon, liver, esophagus, rectum and even the larynx.

food

Each year, 19,000 cases of cancer are attributed to an unbalanced diet. The recommendations invite the French to reduce red meat, favor unprocessed foods and eat more fruits and vegetables.

Overweight

Nearly 19,000 cases of cancer are caused each year by being overweight in people whose BMI is greater than 25. Obesity (BMI greater than 30) increases the risk of cancers of the esophagus, colon and rectum. , liver, pancreas, kidneys, cervix and ovaries.

Certain infections

Certain infectious agents such as infections linked to HPV (human papillomavirus) or hepatitis B and C viruses can cause cancers (6,300 per year). But they are often preventable, thanks to up-to-date vaccinations.

Professional exhibitions

Asbestos, pesticides or gases in the professional field can expose you to the risk of cancer.

UV radiation

Each year, around 15,500 cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in France. The majority of them are caused by UV radiation, which can be avoided by favoring shade, sun protection, and avoiding exposure between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Ionizing radiation

Radon, a radioactive gas present in certain French granite subsoils, is the 2nd risk factor for lung cancer after tobacco. Irradiation can also sometimes occur in the case of diagnostic exposures, particularly during radiotherapy.

Lack of physical activity

Practicing less than 30 minutes of physical activity per day can also promote cancer (3,000 cases per year are linked to a lack of exercise). On the other hand, regular exercise is beneficial for sleep, immunity, and excess weight.

Hormonal treatments

Taking certain hormonal treatments is also not without risk: hormonal replacement treatment during menopause, for example, can increase the risk of breast or endometrial cancer in women.

Not having breastfed

Women who breastfeed their babies for a long period of time have a lower risk of developing breast cancer than women who have never breastfed. And the longer breastfeeding lasts, the greater the protection.

Fine particles

According to a report from the European Environment Agency, air pollution is currently responsible for around 1% of cancer cases in France.

Each year, nearly 382,000 new cancers are detected in France, and 157,400 people die from the disease. Nearly half of these cancers are linked to exposure to risk factors that are known to be preventable. The share of cancers of genetic origin is less than 10%.

Slide: Cancer prevention: 10 tips to reduce risks