The recent cancer announcement by Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales, and the death of celebrities such as actor Chadwick Boseman several years ago have highlighted the rise of cancer among younger people. This is especially true in cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, such as colorectal cancer.
Princess Catherine’s video and public announcement came after weeks of speculation having not seen nor heard from her. Her message was short. She explained that after her doctors performed abdominal surgery earlier in the year, they discovered evidence of cancer. Details about the type of cancer or what stage it is or even her potential prognosis were not disclosed by Kensington Palace. The public only knows that at 42 years of age, the princess is not alone in having cancer, as so many more under age 50 have developed cancers with increasing frequency in recent years. She emphasized several times in the video that she is getting stronger every day. However, she has not yet begun her preventative chemotherapy.
The Count Rises
In 2019 the rate of cancer diagnosis was approximately 5.7 cases to 100,000 people aged 14 to 49. In 1990 there were only 3.5 cases for every 100,000 people. Most of the increase is found in rectal and colon cancers.
Until research unearths the answers, the scientists announced that they can find no one factor responsible for the widespread uptick in all these cancers that are impacting young people.
Possible Causation
A diet of deep-fried food, low fiber food, processed food, fats and sugary drinks or deserts were listed as risk factors. Other studies list higher alcohol consumption or even environmental factors as linked to early cancer development. Gastrointestinal cancers were the fastest-growing among the early-onset group.
Microplastics have been in the news lately. It is suggested that they may play a role in early-stage cancers. These minute particles are found in innumerable household products anywhere from food containers to synthetic clothing where they subsequently enter our GI tracts. They are also pervasive in our bodies as well.
The New Zealand Study
A New Zealand study suggests that microplastics may promote the growth of tumors as they contain chemicals capable of disrupting hormones and may be injurious to our health. Only a portion of the mystery has been solved. We now know why Princess Catherine has been absent from public appearances. However, the larger question is “what is driving these early cancers?”
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Last modified: April 8, 2024
