Appendiceal cancer rates have tripled amongst Generation X and quadrupled amongst millennials compared to older generations, marking a troubling shift in this rare form of the disease, according to a stark new analysis.
Research examining more than 4,000 people in the United States and published in the Annals of Internal Medicine adds to mounting evidence that certain cancers are increasingly affecting younger populations.
While cancer has traditionally been associated with advancing age, medical professionals are observing a concerning pattern of gastrointestinal cancers, including bowel cancer, striking people at much younger ages than in previous decades.
"There is a disproportionate burden of appendix cancer among young individuals," the study's lead author, Andreana Holowatyj, told NBC News.
A concerning pattern of gastrointestinal cancers has been observed in younger people
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The researchers identified several potential factors behind the generational increase, pointing to environmental, lifestyle and genetic changes that intensified following the Second World War.
Dietary habits, alterations in gut bacteria, and a greater prevalence of conditions causing gastrointestinal inflammation were highlighted as particular concerns.
"Similar trends have been reported for other gastrointestinal cancers, suggestive of a potential shared cause contributing to this increasing cancer burden across generations," the study noted.
The concerning pattern extends to the United Kingdom, where research published in BJS Open in 2022 documented a similar trajectory.
British cases surged from 949 between 1995 and 2001 to 4,132 between 2010 and 2016, representing more than a fourfold increase.
Despite these alarming trends, appendiceal cancer remains exceptionally rare, occurring at a rate of one to two cases per million people annually in the US, according to the National Cancer Institute.
In the UK, with its smaller population, approximately 640 people receive this diagnosis each year.
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Warning signs can include the presence of a palpable mass in the stomach area
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The appendix itself is a small pouch of tissue attached to the abdomen, forming part of the intestines and bowel system that absorbs nutrients and removes waste.
Whilst its exact function remains unclear, it may play a role in supporting the immune system.
The disease manifests in two primary forms: epithelial appendiceal cancer and neuroendocrine appendiceal cancer.
Warning signs can include abdominal pain, bloating, the presence of a palpable mass in the stomach area, nausea and vomiting, and feeling full shortly after beginning to eat.
These symptoms, whilst not exclusive to appendiceal cancer, warrant medical attention when persistent.
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