A rare form of cancer affecting the appendix is experiencing a significant increase in cases among millennials and Generation X. Researchers suspect that this rise may be connected to changes occurring after World War II, including shifts in dietary patterns, gut bacteria alterations, and increased prevalence of gastrointestinal tract conditions.
Appendiceal adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer where a malignant tumor develops in the appendix’s lining and secretes a mucus-like substance. Due to nonspecific symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, this cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine analyzed data from 4,858 patients with appendix cancer, spanning from 1975 to 2019. The researchers found that the incidence of appendiceal adenocarcinoma more than tripled among individuals born around 1980 and quadrupled by those born in 1985.
The study suggests that environmental, lifestyle, and genetic factors intensified after World War II may be contributing to this increase. To further understand these associations, researchers urge the development of early detection biomarkers and revisiting screening protocols for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/cancer-appendix-millennials-signs-symptoms-warning-b2766999.html