Why are so many young people getting cancer? | Chasing Life

About this video

• Video Title: Why are so many young people getting cancer? | Chasing Life
• Channel: CNN
• Speakers: Not specified in the transcript.
• Duration: 00:25:30

Overview

This video discusses the concerning rise in cancer diagnoses among young people, particularly focusing on colorectal cancer. It explores the potential causes, the challenges faced by younger patients, and the current recommendations for screening and prevention. The discussion highlights a shift in the age demographic for certain cancers and the ongoing research to understand the underlying factors.

Key takeaways

• Increasing Incidence in Young People: There's a notable increase in cancer diagnoses, especially colorectal cancer, in individuals under 50, even without known risk factors or genetic predispositions.
• Definition of Early Onset: Historically, "early onset" cancer refers to cancers diagnosed before age 50, though this definition is becoming more relevant as the age of diagnosis shifts.
• Birth Cohort Effect: Epidemiological trends suggest that environmental exposures that have changed over generations are likely contributing factors to this rise.
• Obesity and Lifestyle Factors: While obesity, sedentary behavior, and a "Western diet" are linked to increased cancer risk, many young patients diagnosed are not obese, suggesting other factors are at play.
• Microbiome and Inflammation: Changes in the gut microbiome and increased inflammation, potentially influenced by early life factors, are being investigated as contributors to cancer development.
• Genetic Testing: Given the rise in young-onset cancers, germline genetic testing is becoming a standard part of practice for these patients.
• Screening Recommendations: Current guidelines recommend colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45 for average-risk individuals, using methods like colonoscopy or stool-based tests.
• Symptoms and Delays: Key symptoms include blood in stool, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, and unintentional weight loss. Delays in diagnosis are common in younger people, often leading to later-stage diagnoses.
• Stigma and Disparities: Conversations about colorectal cancer are often stifled by stigma, and there are significant racial and ethnic disparities in incidence and mortality, partly due to screening uptake.