Why are bowel cancer cases rising among young people in the UK?

Bowel cancer cases are rising among young Britons, with those under 49 facing a 50% higher risk compared to the early 1990s. Experts suspect a diet high in ultra-processed foods and low in fiber contributes to this trend.

What can be learned from countries with lower rates of early-age bowel cancer?

Countries like Austria, Italy, and Spain have lower rates of early-age bowel cancer, possibly due to differences in lifestyle and diet. Austria offers earlier screening, and these nations consume less ultra-processed food and more fiber.

What is the Prospect study investigating regarding bowel cancer?

Professor Sarah Berry is leading the £20 million Prospect study to investigate the disparities in bowel cancer diagnosis rates between countries, aiming to pinpoint the causes behind the rise in cases, particularly among younger populations.

Home / Health / Bowel Cancer Surges in Young Britons: The Diet Link?

Bowel Cancer Surges in Young Britons: The Diet Link?

7 Feb

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Summary

Bowel cancer cases rise 50% in under-49s compared to early 1990s.
Austria and Italy see smaller increases due to lifestyle and diet.
Ultra-processed foods and low fiber intake may drive UK's rise.

Bowel Cancer Surges in Young Britons: The Diet Link?

Bowel cancer, once a disease of older age, is now affecting more young Britons. Those under 49 face a 50% higher risk compared to the early 1990s. This phenomenon is also observed in the US and Australia, while some European nations like Austria, Italy, and Spain report significantly lower increases.

Experts suggest lifestyle and diet differences are key. Austria, with only a 12% rise in under-50s, offers earlier colonoscopies and consumes less ultra-processed food. Similarly, Italy and Spain have lower rates, linked to diets with less processed ingredients and higher fiber intake.

Professor Sarah Berry is leading a £20 million study, Prospect, to unravel these disparities. Research indicates that diets high in ultra-processed foods, a staple in the UK, and low fiber intake are probable causes for the alarming rise in early-age bowel cancer cases. The British diet has shifted towards more processed foods since the 1980s and 1990s.