The global incidence of early-onset cancers increased by 79.1% between 1990 and 2019 while the number of deaths rose by a staggering 27.7%. This trend is not limited to any specific region or country, it's happening worldwide.
The rise in early-onset cancers has been attributed to various factors such as lifestyle changes, dietary habits and exposure to environmental pollutants.
The recent revelation of the cancer diagnosis of Catherine, Princess of Wales has left many observers shocked. As a medical oncologist, I am heartbroken but hardly surprised by this trend in early-onset cancers. In fact, it is part of a rising global trend in which newly diagnosed cancer patients are getting younger and deflates the myth that cancer is the preserve of older people.
Early-onset cancer refers to any type of cancer occurring before age 50. This includes breast, colon, rectal, liver, pancreatic and other types of cancers. The global incidence of early-onset cancers increased by 79.1% between 1990 and 2019 while the number of deaths rose by a staggering 27.7%. This trend is not limited to any specific region or country, it's happening worldwide.
The rise in early-onset cancers has been attributed to various factors such as lifestyle changes, dietary habits and exposure to environmental pollutants. However, the exact cause of this phenomenon remains unclear and more research needs to be done in order to understand why this is happening.
It's important for individuals who are concerned about their health or have a family history of cancer to consult with a healthcare professional. Regular check-ups and screenings can help detect early signs of cancer, which can lead to better treatment outcomes.
It's important to note that while there has been an increase in early-onset cancers globally, this does not necessarily mean it will happen to everyone. It's still a rare occurrence and more research needs to be done on the exact cause of this phenomenon.
Kate Middleton revealed on Friday that she was being treated for cancer
The rate of under-50s diagnosed with 29 common cancers surged by nearly 80 percent between 1990 and 2019, a large study in BMJ Oncology found last year
Colon cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths in men under 50 in the United States
Accuracy
The increase in cases -- and soaring global population -- means that the number of deaths among under 50s from cancer has risen by nearly 28 percent over the last 30 years
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive in that it implies that cancer only affects older people. However, the study cited in the article shows a significant increase in under-50s diagnosed with various cancers over time. The authors also express concern about this trend and provide examples of specific types of cancer affecting younger adults.
The rate of under-50s diagnosed with 29 common cancers surged by nearly 80 percent between 1990 and 2019
Colon cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths in men under 50 in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society
Fallacies
(75%)
The article contains several examples of informal fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing the opinions and research of experts in the field without providing any evidence or context for their claims. Additionally, there are multiple instances where the author presents a dichotomy between older people getting cancer and younger people not getting cancer, which is misleading as it implies that young people never get cancer when in fact they do. The article also contains inflammatory rhetoric by using phrases such as
The increase in cases -- and soaring global population -- means that the number of deaths among under 50s from cancer has risen by nearly 28 percent over the last 30 years.
Colon cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths in men under 50 in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. For women, it is number two -- behind only breast cancer.
The global incidence of early-onset cancer increased by 79.1% and early-onset cancer deaths rose by 27.7% from 1990 to 2019.
From 2010 to 2019 in the United States, breast cancer accounted for the highest number of cases in this younger population, while rates of gastrointestinal cancers were rising the fastest.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Fallacies
(80%)
The article discusses the rising trend of early-onset cancer and how it is becoming more common in younger people. The author provides examples of patients they have seen with stage IV cancers that are no longer curable. They also mention studies that show an increase in gastrointestinal cancers among young people, as well as research into the role of lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise on cancer risk.
The global incidence of early-onset cancer increased by 79.1% and early-onset cancer deaths rose by 27.7% from 1990 to 2019
From 2010 to 2019 in the United States, breast cancer accounted for the highest number of cases in this younger population, while rates of gastrointestinal cancers were rising the fastest
Bias
(85%)
The article discusses the rising trend of early-onset cancer and how it is becoming more common in younger people. The author provides examples of patients they have seen with stage IV cancers that are no longer curable. They also mention studies that show an increase in gastrointestinal cancers among young people, specifically colon and rectal cancer. Additionally, the article discusses the role of lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise in contributing to this trend.
In the United States from 2010 to 2019 breast cancer accounted for the highest number of cases in this younger population, while rates of gastrointestinal cancers were rising the fastest.
People born in 1990 have over double the risk of getting colon cancer compared to those born in 1950
Research is also focused on whether changes in the gut microbiome are increasing our bodies' vulnerability to cancer.
The global incidence of early-onset cancer increased by 79.1%
Colorectal cancer rates are rapidly increasing in the under 40s, expected to double by 2030.
Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) is a bacteria that has been associated with colorectal and other cancers.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Fallacies
(75%)
The article discusses the rise in colorectal cancer cases among young people and identifies several factors that may be contributing to this trend. The author mentions poor oral hygiene as a factor, specifically citing Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) bacteria which can proliferate when there is poorer oral hygiene and enter the bloodstream to access different organs. This could be considered an example of a dichotomous depiction since it presents two opposing views: good oral hygiene vs poor oral hygiene, with the latter being associated with cancer. The author also mentions high intake of processed meat as a risk factor for stomach cancer and links this to H. pylori bacteria which can be increased by such diets. This could be considered an example of an appeal to authority since it cites research studies without providing any further details or context about the studies themselves.
Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) bacteria
high intake of processed meat
Bias
(80%)
The article discusses the rise in colorectal cancer cases among young people and how microbes are fuelled by poor habits such as vaping and poor oral hygiene. The author also mentions that a diet high in processed meat can increase the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori, which is thought to be responsible for around 40 percent of stomach cancer cases in the UK. Additionally, viruses have been linked with different forms of mouth cancer and excessive alcohol consumption has been identified as a risk factor for testicular cancer.
Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) is a bacterium that has been associated with colorectal, breast, and head-and-neck cancers.
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
David Cox has conflicts of interest on the topics of bacteria and cancer. He mentions Dr Dimitra Lamprinaki who is a researcher at Imperial College London and Professor Andrew Beggs who is a professor at University College London. Both researchers have studied Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) which has been linked to colorectal cancer in young people.
Colorectal cancer is striking people younger than 50 at higher rates than in previous decades.
People born in 1990 have over double the risk of getting colon cancer compared to those born in 1950. And quadruple the risk of getting rectal cancer.
Sitting all day, consuming cured meats and sugar-sweetened drinks, taking antibiotics, or staying up late with the lights on seem to have had a profound impact on the internal workings of our bodies.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(30%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Fallacies
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Bias
(85%)
The article discusses the rise in cancer among young adults and theories for why this is happening. The author mentions that people born in 1990 have over double the risk of getting colon cancer compared to those born in 1950 and quadruple the risk of getting rectal cancer at age 35. This suggests a correlation between lifestyle factors such as sitting all day, consuming cured meats and sugar-sweetened drinks, taking antibiotics, or staying up late with the lights on. The author also mentions that these practices may have had a profound impact on the internal workings of our bodies and disrupt metabolism and boost inflammation. This suggests an ideological bias towards lifestyle factors as a cause for cancer.
People born in 1990 have over double the risk of getting colon cancer compared to those born in 1950
Quadruple the risk of rectal cancer at age 35 when compared with someone who was born in 1950
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The article discusses the rise in cancer among young adults and how it may be linked to sugary drinks and lifestyle changes. The author of the article is Chris Gosline who has a financial tie with Timothy Rebbeck as they are both affiliated with Harvard Medical School's Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Chris Gosline, a reporter for Boston Globe Media Partners LLC
Timothy Rebbeck is an associate professor of medicine at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and director of its Center for Public Health Research.
The article discusses the increasing incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer.
It highlights that neuroendocrine tumors or adenocarcinomas may be responsible for this increase in cases.
The study analyzes data from a US cancer incidence database, 2001-2020.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains several examples of informal fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing multiple studies without providing any context or analysis of their findings. Additionally, the author commits a false dilemma by presenting only two options for early-onset colorectal cancer: neuroendocrine tumors or adenocarcinomas. This oversimplifies a complex issue and ignores other potential causes of this disease.
The article cites multiple studies without providing any context or analysis of their findings, committing an appeal to authority fallacy.
Bias
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
Frank A. Sinicrope has conflicts of interest on the topics of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer and Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer (Hematology/Oncology). He is affiliated with Mayo Comprehensive Cancer Center which may have a financial stake in treatments or research related to these topics.
Frank A. Sinicrope has an affiliation with Mayo Comprehensive Cancer Center, which may have a financial stake in treatments or research related to Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer and Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer (Hematology/Oncology).
The article mentions that Frank A. Sinicrope is affiliated with Mayo Comprehensive Cancer Center, which may have a financial stake in treatments or research related to Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer and Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer (Hematology/Oncology).
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
Frank A. Sinicrope has conflicts of interest on the topics of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer and Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer (Hematology/Oncology). He is affiliated with Mayo Comprehensive Cancer Center in Rochester, MN 55905.
The article mentions that Frank A. Sinicrope is a member of the Alix School of Medicine and Mayo Comprehensive Cancer Center.
