New research has revealed rising rates of early onset bowel cancer among young adults – especially in women. The Mirror spoke to Cancer Research UK about tackling this ‘global phenomenon’
Bowel cancer should be on your mind, at least when you’re doing your weekly shop. New research has indicated that the cancer long associated with older individuals is increasingly affecting young adults – women in particular – but your diet can help lower your risk.
According to a major paper published in The Lancet Oncology, rising rates of early onset bowel (or colorectal) cancer is a “global phenomenon”. The American Cancer Society-led research team found increasing rates of bowel cancer in younger adults in 27 out of the 50 countries and territories in their study.
The analysis suggests that England experienced the fourth fastest (3.6% per year) rise in the rate of early-onset bowel cancer in the decade to 2017, faster than any other country in Europe.
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Nicola Smith, Senior Health Information Manager at Cancer Research UK confirmed: “Globally and in the UK, we’re seeing an increase in rates of early onset bowel cancer, affecting people aged 25-49.”
Smith says bowel cancer is still primarilty a disease of older age, “however, this doesn’t change how difficult it is for any young person diagnosed with cancer.”
Smith explains that there “isn’t a clear answer” about what’s causing the rise, or why the rise has been faster in women than in men. She says one reason might have to do with preventable risk factors like diet, obesity, alcohol and smoking but another might be a consequence of improved cancer detection capability.
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Smith says more research is needed to determine why bowel cancer rates in younger adults are rising. The Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK – founded by Deborah James who passed at age 40 – has pledged £5million over the next 5 years to help uncover the causes of bowel cancer in young people
Fibre trumps power-hungry protein
While protein has been king lately – with celebrities and retailers jumping on the bandwagon – most UK adults get enough protein in their diet, according to the British Nutrition Foundation . A national survey by Savanta for Ocado Retail found that of the 2,200 people surveyed nearly half of UK adults increased their protein intake in 2024, but that rose to two-thirds of all people aged 16 to 34.
Protein has its place in any balanced diet, but it is fibre that should be on the top of your list when browsing the grocery aisles.
“Getting enough fibre in our diet reduces the risk of bowel cancer but unfortunately most of us don’t hit the recommended daily amount,” says Smith. It’s also important to incorporate a meaningful mix of both soluble and insoluble fibre into your diet.
“Overall, more than half of all bowel cancer cases could be prevented, and there are proven ways you can reduce your risk,” says Smith. “As well as eating a balanced diet and keeping a healthy weight, going smoke free, cutting back on alcohol, and being more active will lower your risk too.”