ENGLAND has one of the world’s fastest rising rates of bowel cancer in under-50s, a major study has warned.
The American Cancer Society called the trend a “global phenomenon” and found early-onset tumours increasing in more than half of countries.
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Rates rose in 27 out of 50 countries between 2007 and 2017.
Diagnosis among under-50s in England increased by 3.6 per cent per year during that time.
It was the fourth fastest rise recorded, compared to four per cent per year in New Zealand and Chile, and 3.8 per cent in Puerto Rico.
Scientists reckon junk food diets, a lack of exercise and obesity are at least partly to blame.
Read more on bowel cancer
This highlights the need to prevent cancers linked to dietary habits, physical inactivity and excess body weight
Dr Hyuna Sung
Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said: “This flagship study reveals that increasing rates of early onset bowel cancer is a global issue.
“Concerningly, it has shown for the first time ever that rates are rising more sharply in England than in many other countries around the world.
“While it is important to note that rates in younger adults are still very low compared to people over 50, we need to understand what’s causing this trend in younger people.”
Sun writer Dame Deborah James raised awareness of disease in young people via The Sun’s No Time 2 Lose campaign before her death from bowel cancer aged 40 in 2022.
The American Cancer Society study compared colorectal cancer incidence rates in 50 countries between 1943 and 2017.
The results, published in The Lancet Oncology, showed young onset disease decreased in 20 countries but increased in 27.
Study author Dr Hyuna Sung said: “This is a global phenomenon.
“Previous studies have shown this rise in predominantly high-income Western countries, but it is now documented in various economies and regions worldwide.
“This highlights the need to prevent and control cancers linked to dietary habits, physical inactivity, and excess body weight.
“Raising awareness of the trend and the symptoms can help to reduce delays in diagnosis and reduce deaths.”
Key symptoms of bowel cancer include blood in your poo, gut pain, a change to toilet habits and unexplained weight loss.
Research published this week suggested junk foods contribute to bowel cancer by causing swelling and irritation in the digestive system.
The signs of bowel cancer you need to know – remember BOWEL
- B:Bleeding
There are several possible causes of bleeding from your bottom, of blood in your poo.
Bright red blood could come from swollen blood vessels, haemorrhoids or piles, in your back passage.
Dark red or black blood could come from your bowel or stomach.
Blood in your stools is one of the key signs of bowel cancer, so it’s important to mention it to your doctor so they can investigate.
2. O: Obvious change in loo habits
It’s important to tell your GP if you have noticed any changes in your bowel habits, that lasts three weeks or longer.
It’s especially important if you have also noticed signs of blood in your poo.
You might notice you need to go to the loo more often, you might have looser stools or feel like you’re not going enough or fully emptying your bowels.
Don’t be embarrassed, your GP will have heard a lot worse! Speak up and get it checked.
3. W: Weight loss
This is less common than the other symptoms, but an important one to be aware of. If you’ve lost weight and don’t really know why, it’s worth mentioning to your GP.
You may not feel like eating, feel sick, bloated and not hungry.
4. E: Extreme tiredness
Bowel cancer that causes bleeding can cause a lack of iron in the body – anaemia. If you develop anaemia you’re likely to feel tired and your skin might look pale.
5. L: Lump or pain
As with lots of other forms of cancer, a lump or pain can be a sign of bowel cancer.
It’s most likely you’ll notice a pain or lump in your stomach or back passage.
See your GP if it doesn’t go away, or if it affects how you eat or sleep
