Why bowel cancer cases are on the rise in people under 50 years- explained

Almost 2 million people are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year. Also known as colorectal cancer, it’s the third most common cancer worldwide.

While the majority of people diagnosed with bowel cancer are over 50, recent years has seen an alarming increase in the number of young people being diagnosed with the condition.

In 2019, one study showed that in seven high income countries with historically high levels of bowel cancer, rates in the over-50s had begun to stabilise or even decline. This was attributed to the success of routine screening programmes that pick up pre-cancerous lesions before they have chance to develop into cancer.

But this same study also found that the disease was becoming more common in those under-50 in all countries analysed. For example, in Norway, the risk of developing rectal cancer (a type of bowel cancer) at an early age was five times greater for someone born in 1990 compared to someone born in 1920.

More recently, a larger study which looked at bowel cancer rates in 50 different countries has revealed similar trends are happening across the world. Increasing rates of bowel cancer diagnoses were observed in countries in Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean and Asia – with many seeing the greatest increases in the under-50s.

While researchers aren’t entirely sure what’s fuelling this rise in young people specifically, it may be due to our increasingly unhealthy lifestyles.

What causes bowel cancer?

It’s been known for decades that the risk of developing bowel cancer is strongly influenced by a person’s lifestyle and environment.

For instance, a landmark study from 1968 showed that rates of bowel cancer were substantially higher in ethnically Japanese US citizens compared to the population in Japan – which, at that time, had comparatively low levels of the disease. This phenomenon, which has been backed up by many subsequent studies, strongly implicates a westernised lifestyle in promoting bowel cancer.

 In the years since, we’ve got a better idea of the factors that underpin this effect. Low physical activity levels, a diet low in fiber and high in fat or one that contains high amounts of red or processed meats, being overweight or obese, drinking alcohol and smoking are all linked with substantially higher risk of developing bowel cancer.

The impact these lifestyle factors have on the overall numbers of bowel cancer cases are significant. Cancer Research UK estimates that over half of UK bowel cancer cases are due to preventable causes.

Meanwhile Japan, where rapid economic development has driven the adoption of an increasingly westernised diet, now has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world.

Our increasingly sedentary lifestyles and the rising consumption of highly calorific, nutritionally poor foods probably plays a critical role in the generational changes in bowel cancer incidence we’re seeing. Such diets became increasingly commonplace through the US and parts of Europe in the 1970s – before spreading to other countries as a side-effect of economic development.

A worldwide obesity crisis

We’re also in the midst of a worldwide obesity crisis. It’s estimated that 2.2 billion people worldwide are overweight and 890 million of these are obese.

Worryingly, although rates of obesity are increasing among people of all ages, children and adolescents are disproportionately affected. Obesity is now ten times more common in children aged between five- and 14-years-old than in the mid-1970s.

This is significant, as many of the metabolic changes associated with obesity –such as dysregulated hormones and a chronic state of inflammation – are thought to help drive cancer development. Obesity is also associated with type 2 diabetes, which has been linked to increased risk of developing bowel cancer. Type 2 diabetes is also becoming increasingly common in younger people.

Our diet also has a big impact on the health of our gut microbiome – the population of trillions of bacteria and microbes that live inside us. Evidence suggests that a Western-style diet can promote a state of dysbiosis. This means the balance of the gut’s bacteria becomes disrupted – making it easier for harmful microbes to grow and reducing the growth of helpful bacteria.

It’s becoming increasingly clear that the composition of our microbiome can have a big impact on how likely we are to develop bowel cancer. One study even showed that the effects of gut dysbiosis on bowel cancer incidence may play an even greater role in younger patients than older ones.

Unfortunately, bowel cancer in the under-50s is often diagnosed at a late stage. This is in part due to screening programmes being targeted to over-50s. However, a survey by Bowel Cancer UK also highlighted a lack of awareness of the disease in younger people and their doctors as a contributory factor.

Signs of bowel cancer

Early diagnosis is key to a better prognosis, so it’s important to be aware of the symptoms. Abdominal pain, bloody stools, changed bowel habits or unexplained weight loss can all be a sign of bowel cancer. Many of these can occur in the absence of cancer – but it’s important to get them checked out so cancer can be ruled out.

To reduce your risk of developing bowel cancer at any age, the message is very clear. Eat a healthy diet, limit your intake of ultra-processed foods and alcohol, don’t smoke and regularly exercise.

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Gastric Obstruction – Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Your bowels are tasked with removing waste and toxins from your body, as well as absorbing salts, liquids, nutrients, indigestible vitamins. They do it to extract all possible nutrients that weren’t digested in the stomach and maintain the balance of electrolytes in your system.

When your bowels are not functioning well, they collect the waste and toxins they’re supposed to get rid of, resulting in various diseases and health issues. If left undiagnosed and untreated, obstructed bowels lead to kidney and liver-related health problems. In this article, you’ll learn all you need to know about bowel obstruction, symptoms that should serve as warning signals, and the natural home remedies needed to fix and prevent it.

What causes gastric obstructions? 

The reasons for obstructed bowels are plentiful, such as hernias, cysts, tumors, etc. Another reason is overeating foods that are harmful to our bodies, such as food rich in preservatives and other chemicals. These chemicals lead to a buildup of mucus in the guts, which releases toxins that can damage the body. Another cause is a buildup of fecal matter or foreign bodies in the lower intestine. Bezoars can also cause gastric obstructions. 

 

Bezoars are a fibrous lump that forms in the stomach, and the most common type is formed of undigested pieces of food. They are mainly composed out of plant cellulose, most common in unripe fruit and persimmons. 

 

Men are in a higher risk group for contracting phytobezoars in their stomachs, with symptoms that include upper gastric pains, feeling full soon after beginning to eat, nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite and loss of weight. Symptoms only appear in 10-25% of the cases, making phytobezoars hard to diagnose, and can lead to gastric obstructions. 

 

What happens when your gastrointestinal system is obstructed? 

 

When the small intestine is blocked, it will begin contracting in order to move its content beyond the obstruction, which can lead to frequent diarrhea. In later stages, it will become less effective, causing a buildup of water and electrolytes that can lead to dehydration. 

 

The obstruction will also create pressure on the intestinal walls, and if left untreated – will only get worse. This can lead to venous drainage obstruction, a rising of the diaphragm, and a suppression of the lungs’ function. The obstruction itself will aid in the bacterial buildup, in particular, E-Coli, Klebsiella, and Enterococcus Faecalis. The bacteria colonies will grow very quickly, increasing the chances of gangrene and intestinal punctures. 

 

Patients lose their ability to pass feces and gasses along the intestine, causing swelling and increasing stomach pains. The large intestine will expand due to the buildup of bacterium, liquids, feces and gasses.

Which symptoms can indicate an obstruction?  

 

Symptoms can be evidence of obstruction caused be stomach cramping or phytobezoars. Once you notice these symptoms, it is recommended that you pay a visit to your family doctor, to evaluate the nature of the obstruction. Not all symptoms may appear, but they will appear in these general groups: 

 

Constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, lethargy and swelling. 

 

Headaches, memory loss, blurred vision. 

 

Burning sensation in the upper digestive system. 

 

Weight gain, lack of energy and indigestion. 

 

Ulcers in the stomach and Duodenum, ulcerative colitis and stomach inflammation. 

 

Urinary tract infections and inflammation of the kidneys. 

 

Constant colds, allergies, joint pains and chronic diseases.

Treatments:  

The most basic treatment is hooking the patient up to an IV, which can only be performed by a doctor. In some cases, the obstructions can be relieved by using a nasogastric tube, and in severe cases, an operation will be required. An enema may help in some cases, but if performed incorrectly – can lead to internal bleeding. 

 

The simplest, natural treatment for intestinal obstruction is eating 1-3 tablespoons of flax seeds, combined with 100-15ml of Kefir (a type of fermented milk drink) for three days. Flax seeds help the body dispose of fecal matter, mucus and parasites. Additionally, flax seeds can help prevent several forms of cancer, heart diseases, diabetes, and even help lower cholesterol levels. Kefir contains many probiotic bacteria, enzymes, vitamin B12 and proteins, all of which are good for your body. Kefir also helps in restoring the gastric biome and is lactose-free. 

 

To clear your intestines from obstructions, add kefir and flax seeds to your breakfast in this manner: 

 

1st week: 100ml of kefir and one tablespoon of flax seeds 

 

2nd week: 100ml of kefir and two tablespoons of flax seeds 

 

3rd week: 150ml of kefir and three tablespoons of flax seeds 

 

Additionally, drink at least two liters of water every day.

Prevention:  

The best way to unblock a phytobezoar obstruction is by eating food that is high in protein and low in fiber. Once the blockage is gone, follow these dietary tips to heal and prevent re-occurrences. 

 

Beverages: It is advised that you keep your body well hydrated. Drink fruit-shakes, water, and sports drinks that are rich in electrolytes. 

 

Avoid high-fat dairy.  Stick to low-fat or fat-free products. 

 

Grains and bread: Fiber from whole grain tends to slow down the digestive process. Focus on plain white bread, pasta, and regular grain. 

 

Fruits and vegetables: Boiled or canned fruits and vegetables are the way to go. Avoid eating the skin. Watermelon, melons, and bananas can be consumed fresh. Avoid high-fiber fruits and vegetables. 

 

Meat and meat substitutes: Protein is essential to the healing process. Stick to skinless chicken or turkey meat. Other kinds of lean meat, such as fish, eggs and tofu are also good. 

 

Other: Avoid fried foods and use as little butter as possible. Boiled or steamed foods are the most recommended. Minimize the use of seasoning and fatty sauces and dressings.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     

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https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
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