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Millennials born in 1990 are twice as likely to get colon cancer as Boomers born in 1950 — and that's not the worst of it

Millennials born in 1990 are twice as likely to get colon cancer as Boomers born in 1950 — and that's not the worst of it

New York Post10-07-2025
Early-onset colorectal cancer rates are surging around the world, and Millennials are in the crosshairs.
According to a study published in the British Journal of Surgery, early-onset colorectal cancer, defined as cases diagnosed before age 50, has risen dramatically among both sexes in the US since the mid-1990s.
While colon cancer is traditionally linked to older adults, diagnoses among younger people have skyrocketed in recent years.
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Researchers explain that in comparison to adults born in 1950, those born in 1990 are twice as likely to develop colon cancer — and a whopping four times more likely to develop rectal cancer.
And folks, it gets worse.
3 While colon cancer is traditionally linked to older adults, diagnoses among younger people have skyrocketed in recent years.
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Partially due to the assumption among care providers and patients that colorectal cancer is a disease for the elderly or middle-aged, young people tend to be diagnosed in the disease's later stages, making it harder to treat and cure.
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Researchers note that younger patients are more likely to receive aggressive treatments and, due to their life stage, are faced with unique challenges in navigating care and survival.
These younger patients, often diagnosed in their peak earning and reproductive years, are more likely to experience financial hardship and difficulty starting or expanding their families.
Early-onset survivors are more likely to experience anxiety, sexual dysfunction, and body image issues than their older counterparts.
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These recent findings are in line with a Centers for Disease Control analysis that found a 185% increase in colorectal cancer among people between 20 and 24 and a 333% increase among people between 15 and 19.
Rates of early-onset colorectal cancer, the most common type of gastrointestinal cancer, are also rising in high-income countries beyond the US. An inventory of 20 European countries showed a significant spike in cases of early-onset colorectal cancer from 2004 to 2016.
'The incidence of GI cancers in adults younger than age 50 is rising globally,' said the paper's lead author, Sara Char. 'Ongoing research efforts investigating the biology of early-onset GI cancers are critical to developing more effective screening, prevention, and treatment strategies.'
Due to the rise in younger cases, the US Preventive Services Task Force updated its colorectal cancer screening guidelines in 2021, lowering the recommended age to begin screening from 50 to 45 for adults of average risk.
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3 Rates of early-onset colorectal cancer, the most common type of gastrointestinal cancer, are also rising in high-income countries beyond the US.
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And we may need to lower it further, as a new study from Taiwan found that initiating colorectal cancer screening at 40 can reduce cases by 21% and deaths by 39% compared to starting screening at 50.
Early-onset colorectal cancer has become the leading cause of cancer-related death for men under 50 and the second-leading cause for women under 50 in the United States.
'It's been pretty alarming to all of us,' Dr. Coral Olazagasti, an assistant professor of clinical medical oncology at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, previously told The Post.
'In the past, you would think cancer was a disease of the elderly population. But now we've been seeing trends in recent years of people getting diagnosed with cancer earlier and earlier.'
Early onset colorectal cancer disproportionately affects Black, Hispanic, Indigenous, and Asian populations, with those of Native American descent reporting the highest rate of colorectal cancer of any racial and ethnic group.
Among that number is Utah-based influencer Tanner Martin, who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at 25 and lost his five-year battle with the disease in June.
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3 Utah-based influencer Tanner Martin, who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at 25 and lost his five-year battle with the disease in June.
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A National Cancer Institute analysis from 1973 through 2009 revealed that 16.5% of American Indians/Alaska Natives, 15.4% of Hispanics, 12% of Asians/Pacific Islanders, and 11.9% of Black patients were diagnosed with colorectal cancer before age 50, compared to only 6.7% of non-Hispanic white patients.
Oncologists have suggested that the concerning rise in early onset diagnoses and deaths could be due to obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, the Western diet, excess sugar consumption, and environmental factors such as pollutants in the air, soil, and water.
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A 2019 study found that US women with a BMI over 30 had close to double the risk of developing early-onset colorectal cancer compared to women with lower BMIs.
More recently, a groundbreaking 2025 study suggested that colibactin, a toxin produced by certain strains of E. coli, may be behind the recent surge in early-onset colorectal cancer cases.
'We believe this exposure occurs very early in life — likely during the first decade — when children are infected,' Dr. Ludmil Alexandrov, senior study author and a professor at the University of California, San Diego, told The Post.
The CDC predicts that by 2030, early-onset colorectal cancer will become the leading cancer-related cause of death for people aged 20 to 49.
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Dr. Cory Franklin: Why the US is better than Europe at preventing heat deaths
Dr. Cory Franklin: Why the US is better than Europe at preventing heat deaths

Chicago Tribune

timean hour ago

  • Chicago Tribune

Dr. Cory Franklin: Why the US is better than Europe at preventing heat deaths

When it comes to reporting on the comparative health of nations, there is ample bias in the national and international press about American shortcomings. Some of it is justified — disproportionate numbers of obesity and firearm deaths are usually cited by medical and nonmedical sources, as well as the relatively high infant mortality. But no less important are environmental deaths, specifically those related to hot and cold weather, which are rarely cited. The U.S. figures are far more impressive than those of the rest of the industrialized world, and it is inarguable that this country does a much better job of preventing heat and cold deaths than Europe does. First, heat deaths: Comparisons of heat deaths between countries are limited because numbers vary according to how heat deaths are defined, the differences in weather and patient characteristics in various countries, and the sources of the data. The numbers here are a compendium from several sources including Lancet, Nature and several public health and weather websites; mileage may vary. Taking all this into account, the difference in annual heat deaths between Europe and the U.S. is surprising: In the 21st century, European heat deaths on average range from 60 to 200 per 1 million people annually, while American heat deaths average about three to eight per million annually. This means, conservatively, each year, perhaps 20 times as many people die of the heat in Europe as in the U.S. A graphic example: During the recent European heat wave that began in May, one country, Spain, experienced 1,180 deaths in only two months. The data from deaths due to cold weather are even more sobering. Even with a warming Earth, cold continues to kill more people than heat in most parts of the world where there is any kind of cold winter. In Europe, there are 300 to 500 deaths per million due to cold annually in the past three decades, while in the U.S., the number of deaths from cold is in the range of 10 per million. So a conservative estimate would be that for every person who dies as a result of cold weather in the U.S., at least 30 die in Europe. When deaths from heat and cold are combined, Europe has close to 50 times as many deaths as the U.S. — as many as 250,000 to 500,000 more deaths every year. Over a decade, this means several million more people die from heat and cold in Europe than die in the U.S. from those causes. A comparison of the annual numbers shows that the difference in environmental deaths easily surpasses the much more widely reported firearm death comparison. The U.S. has nearly 50,000 firearm deaths annually, and Europe has under 10,000, so the difference in firearm deaths, roughly 40,000, is about 1/10th the difference in environmental deaths. Why is there such a difference in environmental deaths between the U.S. and Europe? The consensus among experts regarding heat deaths is the ubiquity of air conditioning in the U.S. and the relative paucity in Europe. (The majority of deaths in Spain during the May-June heat wave were in the north of the country, where air conditioning is uncommon compared with in the south.) Besides providing comfort, air conditioning saves lives — often many — especially if air conditioning could be made more available in the Global South, where there are even more deaths due to hot weather. Despite the consensus, some environmentalists want to limit air conditioning, citing increased electricity use and carbon dioxide production, which will aggravate greenhouse gas emissions. (In 2022, Spain was one of the countries that put restrictions on air conditioning.) The response to climate change must involve a combination of mitigation, such as reducing levels of heat-trapping greenhouse gases and adaptation — that is, adapting to the consequences of a warming environment. According to Hannah Ritchie, deputy editor of the Our World in Data website, air conditioning currently accounts for about 7% of global electricity use and 3% of carbon dioxide emissions — not negligible but certainly not exorbitant considering how many lives cooling technology saves. While worldwide air conditioning use is expected to increase in the next decade, so is the efficiency of air conditioning units. Air conditioning represents one of the most effective and lifesaving methods of adaptation to a changing climate. The reasons for increased cold weather deaths in Europe relative to the U.S. are harder to divine, but likely include the ubiquity of older homes with poorer insulation throughout Europe. Outside of Scandinavia, there may be less preparedness and an aging population more vulnerable to cold weather snaps on the European continent. Human-made efforts to reduce greenhouse gases are essential, but human-made efforts to adapt to weather extremes would have lifesaving consequences more immediately. Dr. Cory Franklin is a retired intensive care physician and the author of 'The COVID Diaries 2020-2024: Anatomy of a Contagion as it Happened.'

Advicenne Receives Marketing Authorization and Reimbursement for Sibnayal® in Saudi Arabia
Advicenne Receives Marketing Authorization and Reimbursement for Sibnayal® in Saudi Arabia

Business Wire

time6 hours ago

  • Business Wire

Advicenne Receives Marketing Authorization and Reimbursement for Sibnayal® in Saudi Arabia

PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Regulatory News: Advicenne (Euronext Growth® - FR0013296746 - ALDVI), a pharmaceutical company specializing in the development and marketing of innovative treatments for people suffering from rare kidney diseases, obtains marketing authorization (MA) and reimbursement status for Sibnayal® (a fixed combination of potassium citrate and potassium bicarbonate) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Marketing authorization for Sibnayal® (ADV7103) in distal Renal Tubular Acidosis (dRTA) in KSA has been granted, based on the European registration dossier. Furthermore, Saudi authorities have agreed a reimbursement rate in line with the best European pricing. This achievment results of a close collaboration between Advicenne and its local partner, Taïba Healthcare, a leading distributor of pharmaceutical products in the Gulf region. Advicenne will act as the marketing authorization holder, while Taïba Healthcare will manage local marketing activities. The incidence of dRTA is higher in Gulf countries than in Europe or the United States, and prevalence in KSA could be estimated around 600 to 800 patients. Sibnayal® is already prescribed through early access programs in several Gulf countries outside Saudi Arabia. This milestone paves the way for registrations in GCC countries where the application is filed. Didier Laurens, CEO of Advicenne, declared: 'I am particularly proud of this important achievement and wish to congratulate both Advicenne and Taïba Healthcare teams, whose efforts were instrumental in informing and convincing the Saudi health authorities. The reimbursement obtained, comparable to the highest levels recorded in Europe, further attests to the significant therapeutic value of Sibnayal® in a region with one of the highest prevalence rates of dRTA worldwide.' About Advicenne Advicenne (Euronext: ALDVI) is a specialty pharmaceutical company founded in 2007, specializing in the development of innovative treatments in Nephrology. Its lead product Sibnayal® (ADV7103) has received its Marketing Approval for distal renal tubular acidosis in EU and GB. ADV7103 is currently in late-stage development in cystinuria in Europe and in dRTA and cystinuria in the US and in Canada. Headquartered in Paris, Advicenne, listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange since 2017, has now been listed on Euronext Growth Paris since its transfer on March 30, 2022. For additional information, see: Disclaimer This press release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Advicenne group and its business, including its prospects and product candidate development. Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that Advicenne considers to be reasonable. However, there can be no assurance that the estimates contained in such forward-looking statements will be verified, which estimates are subject to numerous risks including the risks set forth in the 2024 Universal Registration Document filed with the French financial market authority on April 29, 2025 (a copy of which is available on and to the development of economic conditions, financial markets and the markets in which Advicenne operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to risks not yet known to Advicenne or not currently considered material by Advicenne. The occurrence of all or part of such risks could cause actual results, financial conditions, performance, or achievements of Advicenne to be materially different from such forward-looking statements. Advicenne expressly declines any obligation to update such forward-looking statements.

Here's What ER Doctors Say Every Person Should Do After A Fall, Regardless Of Your Age
Here's What ER Doctors Say Every Person Should Do After A Fall, Regardless Of Your Age

Yahoo

timea day ago

  • Yahoo

Here's What ER Doctors Say Every Person Should Do After A Fall, Regardless Of Your Age

People of any age are susceptible to falling, but older adults are especially at risk. Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury death for people over the age of 65 and were responsible for nearly 3 million emergency room visits for older adults in 2021, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control. No matter your age, it's important to take falls seriously, emergency room physician Dr. Joe Whittington told HuffPost. 'Whether it's a young person who brushes off a fall or someone older who thinks it's just a part of aging, it's important to understand that falls can lead to complications like infections or long-term disability,' said Whittington, who runs the Dr. Joe MD TikTok account. 'Prevention is key. Keeping up with regular physical activity, making environmental adjustments and knowing what to do after a fall can significantly reduce risks.' We asked Whittington and other ER physicians what they'd advise people to do after a fall, including tips to help prevent this type of incident. Here's what we learned: First, do a full-body check for injuries. Related: Before you even attempt to get up, do a full-body check for pain, 'particularly in the head, neck, or spine, as well as possible fractures or dislocations,' Whittington said. You should also look out for abrasions, significant swelling, severe pain or the inability to move any part of your body, ER physician Dr. Jordan Wagner told HuffPost. 'This step is crucial to avoid worsening a potential fracture, dislocation, or internal injury by moving too quickly,' said Wagner, also known as 'Doctor ER' on YouTube. 'If you notice any sharp pain or have difficulty moving, stay there and call for emergency help if a phone is nearby.' Move slowly. Related: Sudden movements can worsen hidden injuries like sprains or fractures, Wagner said. Other serious fall-related injuries like internal bleeding or concussions may not be apparent right off the bat. 'If you feel dizzy, nauseous or in significant pain, stay still and call for help. Getting up too quickly can worsen an injury,' Whittington said. If you hit your head, seek medical care ASAP. If you hit your head during the fall, get evaluated by a medical professional immediately — even if you feel OK at first, Wagner advised. 'Symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, headaches, or nausea could indicate a concussion, brain bleed, or a more serious injury,' he explained. 'Brain bleeds, in particular, can be life-threatening and often develop at different rates, so you might not notice severe symptoms right away. Head injuries are tricky and can escalate quickly, so it's always better to be safe than sorry.' Know that falls can be especially dangerous for those taking blood thinners, as these medications can 'increase the risk of potentially life-threatening bleeding, especially after head trauma,' former emergency medicine physician Dr. Jessica Singh, founder and CEO of Sukhayu Wellness, told HuffPost. If you're experiencing other concerning pain or symptoms in general, you should seek immediate medical care, she added. Treat any minor injuries at home. Related: 'If there's no immediate sign of a serious injury, take deep breaths and apply ice to any sore areas,' Wagner said. 'Ice helps reduce swelling and prevents further damage.' Don't try to 'tough it out,' he added. 'It's important not to push through pain or discomfort after a fall.' If you've injured a limb, elevate it to minimize swelling, Whittington advised. 'For example, if you've twisted your ankle or injured your knee, keeping it elevated above your heart helps the healing process,' he said. 'Don't ignore what seems like a minor injury. Early care can prevent more serious issues later.' Afterward, reflect on factors that led to the fall. After a fall, set aside some time to figure out the root cause of the incident, taking into account both personal and environmental factors. 'For instance, was the fall a result of slipping on ice or a wet surface, a missed step, an accident primarily caused by someone else, a lack of appropriate balance, support, and/or safety precautions, or an external situation?' Singh said. 'What other external factors, including medications, alcohol or substance use, may have contributed to the fall?' Think, too, about the reasons that may have contributed to such as a health condition or whether you were rushing, distracted or multitasking when the fall occurred, Singh said. She also pointed to research showing that while falls often occur after slipping or tripping, 'external factors are seldom the sole cause of an elderly patient's fall. In almost all cases, patients' comorbidities and health status are involved,' according to a 2015 study. Assessing the entire situation will help you get appropriate medical care and have better safety measures in place moving forward, Singh said. Reduce fall hazards in your home. Related: Making some adjustments to your living space — such as decluttering — could save you a trip to the emergency room, Wagner said. 'Keeping a clean and organized living space, especially in high-traffic areas, is essential,' he said. Other common tripping hazards include loose rugs and cords, pets, walkers, canes and stairs. 'Many people trip on stairs because they're moving too quickly, not paying attention to their footing,' Wagner said. Making sure your home is well-lit is one of the most overlooked ways to prevent a fall, Whittington said. 'Many falls happen at night or in dimly lit areas. Adding night lights or brighter bulbs in key areas, especially in hallways, bathrooms, and stairs, can drastically reduce the risk of a fall.' Proper footwear with slip-resistant soles and assistive devices (such as grab bars, reaching tools and fall alarms) can also improve health and safety, Singh said. Small changes like these can 'make a huge difference, especially for older adults or people with limited mobility,' Whittington added. Stay active. In the wake of a fall, you may become overly cautious and scared of it happening again, which can make you more sedentary. But it's so important to stay active and to continue doing the things you enjoy. 'Immobility is associated with deconditioning and greater fall risk. Research has shown that fear is commonly experienced after a fall, leading to reduced physical activity and increased risk of falling,' Singh said. Whittington also highlighted the importance of staying active and working on your balance via practices like yoga or tai chi, which can 'greatly reduce the risk of falls,' he said. 'As we age, we lose muscle strength and flexibility, which affects our balance. Strengthening muscles and practicing coordination helps your body respond better to slips or trips, potentially preventing a serious fall.'This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful: Solve the daily Crossword

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