Generation X and Millennials are more likely to suffer from appendix cancer

Generation X and Millennillas are more likely to suffer from appendix cancer

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Appendix cancer is a rare disease. However, in recent years, the number of cases has increased among the generation of X (born in 1965-1980) and millennials (born in 1981-1996).

This is stated in the study, Posted In the Scientific Journal of Annals of International Medicine, reports CNN.

Appendix is ​​an organ that plays an important role in maintaining the immune system. It has the shape of a bag and attached to the colon in the lower right of the abdomen.

Appendix cancer is a rare disease. For example, in the US, about 1-2 people per 1 million people suffer from it every year. But a new study demonstrates a negative tendency to spread this disease.

Scientists have analyzed data on 4858 Americans aged 20 years of age who were diagnosed with appendix cancer from 1975 to 2019. The obtained data were divided into age groups.

It turned out that the incidence of appendix cancer increased more than three times among those born in 1976-1984 compared to born in 1941-1949.

For younger people, the situation is even more disappointing. Born in 1981-1989, appendix have four times more often.

In general, the increase in incidence occurred from 1975 to 2019. Scientists call this trend anxious.

Although the study has not considered the probable causes of the disease, scientists believe that this can hardly be explained by the progress in the screening of the disease or tools for diagnosis. After all, many cases of cancer of the appendix are detected by accident – after acute appendicitis.

Instead, researchers say that an increase in incidence may be associated with « environmental influences » (air, water, food, etc.), which « can increase the risk to generations that now come into average age. »

Similar trends were also recorded for colon and rectal cancer, as well as the stomach. That is, likely risk factors can contribute to the development of gastrointestinal cancer as a whole.

There are no specific recommendations for screening of cancer of the appendix. Among the symptoms of the disease are abdominal pain or pelvis, bloating, nausea and vomiting.

Appendix cancer is treated surgically and chemotherapy if the tumor gave metastases.

Recall, scientists discoveredthat generations of X and millennials have a much higher risk of developing 17 cancer diseases compared to their parents and grandparents.