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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Julia Musto

Obesity linked to increased risk of colon cancer

  • Rates of colorectal and other gastrointestinal cancers are increasing among Americans under 50, a trend also observed globally.
  • Researchers suggest a leading theory for this rise is the increasing prevalence of obesity, which can cause inflammation and higher insulin levels, alongside other risk factors like diet and lifestyle.
  • Individuals born in 1990 face significantly higher risks of developing colon and rectal cancers compared to those born in 1950, with early-onset colorectal cancer now a leading cause of cancer-related deaths for younger adults.
  • Younger patients often experience delayed diagnoses, leading to advanced disease stages, and the condition disproportionately affects Black, Hispanic, Indigenous, and Asian communities.
  • Ongoing research is deemed crucial to develop more effective screening, prevention, and treatment strategies for early-onset gastrointestinal cancers.

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