A forgotten cancer type is increasing rapidly in young people – Cyprus Newspaper

Appendis cancer was so rarely seen so far that most people did not even know about it. For decades, this type of cancer, which has been diagnosed in older ages, maybe only once or twice in their professional life, has been increasingly seen in younger age groups.

Appendic is a small, finger -shaped pouch connected to the large intestine. Although its function in the body is still unknown, it is mostly known for inflammation that requires emergency surgery, which is mostly called appendicitis. However, it is not known that cancer can develop here.

According to a new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine magazine, Appendis cancer cases have increased strikingly in after 1970 born. The incidence of this age group rose three to four times compared to those born in the 1940s.

Although it is still a rare disease that affects only a few people every year, the speed of the increase is remarkable.

More importantly, approximately one -third of appendica cancer cases are seen in adults under the age of 50. This ratio is quite high compared to other digestive system cancers.

Why is it increasing?

The exact reason is not yet known. However, the first suspects of experts include lifestyle and environmental changes in the last decades.

Obesity rates have increased rapidly since the 1970s and is a well -known risk factor for many cancer, including excess weight, digestive system cancers.

In addition, nutritional habits have changed. Increased foods, sugar beverages and increased consumption of meat and red or processed meat are among the elements that increase the risk for digestive system cancers.

In addition, the still lifestyle increases the risk for a long time at the desk or in front of the screen.

Another possibility is exposure to new environmental factors brought about by modern life. Factors such as industrial food production, widespread use of plastic and chemicals and changes in water quality are thought to be effective. However, more research needs to be done on this issue.

Difficult to diagnose

Another factor that makes appendis cancer in particular is that it cannot be detected early. For example, there are no routine screening tests such as colon cancer.

Symptoms can usually be confused with uncertain or other diseases. Light abdominal pain, bloating or changes in intestinal habits can be common and often harmless complaints. For this reason, most of the cases are usually recognized by chance during the suspected of appendicitis – and at this stage, it may be late for early intervention.

Currently, there is no routine screening test for appendica cancer. The disease is not included in general screening programs because it is very rare and difficult to display appendic.

For this reason, both physicians and people need to be more careful about this. Especially in individuals under 50 years of age, it is important to consult a doctor without losing time when stubborn or unusual abdominal symptoms are seen.

Other digestive system cancers also increase

The increase in appendica cancer is part of a wider tendency observed in other digestive system cancers such as colon and stomach.

Behind this is probably genetic factors, lifestyle, environmental effects, and even changes in intestinal microbiome (bacterial flora in the intestine).

In recent years, the use of antibiotics has increased greatly in both medicine and agriculture. This can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the intestine, which can affect the risk of cancer. More research on this possible connection about the use of antibiotics at an early age.

What to do?

For now, the best approach is to focus on prevention and awareness:

-For

-Applying a balanced nutrition rich in ventures, fruits and whole grains

-Fizlyly staying active

Avoiding tobacco and alcohol use is among the important steps that reduce the risk for both appendica cancer and other types of cancer.

Researchers are trying to understand why appendica cancer has increased rapidly at a young age. It is of great importance in terms of revealing these reasons, prevention, early diagnosis and more effective treatment methods.

In this process, both health workers and the people need to be raised. Recognizing the symptoms and taking a timely action can provide early diagnosis and better results in this rare but increasingly important cancer type.

The increase in appendica cancer, changing living conditions and environmental factors can make even rare diseases more common.

At the same time, it is a call for more research and listening to our body as a society to understand and combat this tendency.