UK medical experts link the surge in cancer cases among people under 50 to poor dietary habits. They attribute the 80% global increase over the past three decades to diets high in junk food and processed meats.
Studies show that high consumption of ultra-processed foods and meats drives the rise in early-onset cancers, Mail Online reported.
Professor Charles Swanton highlights the diet-cancer connection, explaining that ultra-processed and sugary foods contribute to this trend by causing low fiber intake. "Some early-onset bowel cancer," he said, "may be 'initiated' by bacteria prevalently found in individuals consuming such diets."
Dr. Cathy Eng observes that many young cancer patients also suffer from other lifestyle diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol issues, which often result from diets high in saturated fats and sugars.
Poor dietary choices strongly associate with obesity, which links to 13 types of cancer, including breast, throat, and prostate cancers, all rising among those under 50. Additionally, frequent consumption of red and processed meats raises the risk of bowel cancer, with younger people now facing higher risks than before.
Dr. Nicholas DeVito from Duke University observes a troubling shift: most cancer patients are now under 45, largely due to diets high in ultra-processed foods.
A 2023 study supports this observation by finding a strong link between ultra-processed foods and increased cancer risk. DeVito urges the government to take action similar to tobacco regulations to safeguard public health.
DeVito stated, "The desire to protect Americans from substances that cause cancer and other diseases should transcend party affiliation and political motivation to overcome industrial lobbying efforts."
Matthew Lambert advises people to moderate their consumption of foods high in sugars, salts, and fats because these foods lack fiber and essential nutrients. Lambert warned, "These types of food have no fiber and contain virtually no essential nutrients." He added that people "should only eat these foods occasionally and in small amounts."
DeVito emphasized that making informed dietary choices is crucial for reducing cancer risks. He stated, "Food can play a major role here, so understanding how what you eat affects your body is critical for decreasing cancer incidence."
Experts are calling for a reevaluation of dietary norms and stricter regulations on harmful food products to reduce early-onset cancer cases and ensure a healthier future.
Indeed, the link between diet and increased cancer risk among those under 50 is clear. Specifically, high consumption of processed foods and meats is associated with a rise in cancers among younger people. Consequently, health officials like DeVito and Swanton advocate for major dietary reforms and regulations akin to those for tobacco to address this issue. They emphasize the need for collective action to prioritize health over industry profit.
