Morning Wire Disturbing Rise in Cancer Rates Among Younger Americans | 1.21.24
Jan 21, 2024
Dr. Otis Brawley, a Johns Hopkins oncology and epidemiology professor, discusses the alarming rise in cancer rates among younger Americans, particularly colorectal and pancreatic cancers. He highlights a yearly increase of 1-1.5% in colorectal cases, linking it to dietary changes and obesity. The conversation dives into microbial influences, like HPV and gut bacteria, and environmental factors like chemical exposure. Additionally, Dr. Brawley sheds light on the distinctions between familial and sporadic cancers and the implications for treatment and prognosis.
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Rising Cancer Rates in Young Americans
- While overall cancer mortality has declined by 33% since 1991, certain cancers are rising in younger Americans.
- This includes colorectal, pancreatic, and gastric cancers, with colorectal cancer showing the most significant increase.
Suspected Causes of Rising Colorectal Cancer
- The increase in colorectal cancer may be linked to dietary changes starting in the mid-1950s and 1960s.
- This includes increased obesity, processed food consumption, and changes in gut bacteria from antibiotic overuse.
Microbial Links to Cancer
- HPV is linked to head and neck cancers, cervical cancer, and other genital cancers, not just cervical cancer.
- Gastric cancer is linked to H. pylori bacteria, and other GI cancers may also be linked to bacterial or viral infections.