The fight against cancer has seen significant progress in recent years, with an overall decrease in mortality for tumors. In 2021, 181,330 deaths from cancer were estimated (100,200 men and 81,100 women), 1,870 fewer than in 2020. More generally, in the last six years an overall decline in cancer mortality of 10% in men and in 8% in women.
In 2024, inEuropean Union, almost 1.3 million deaths from cancer are expected: a very high number, but a slowdown compared to previous years. In fact, compared to 2018, mortality rates fell by 6.5% in men and 4.3% in women.
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Among the most common cancers, the decline in mortality continues for al lung, but it only concerns males, for whom rates drop by 15% compared to 2018. As far as women are concerned, however, the trend in mortality from cancer continues to be favourable breast which drops by 6% compared to 2018.
These data highlight the importance of advances in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, which have prevented more than 6.1 million deaths since 1988. However, a worrying trend is emerging in the field of public health: the increase in mortality from colon cancer in young people.
Recently a study conducted by the group of researchers atState University of Milanled by the renowned professor Carlo La Vecchiaand supported by Airc Foundationrevealed an alarming increase in death rates for Colorectal cancer among young adults. Another international study coordinated by Italian researchers, entitled European cancermortality predictions for the year 2024 with focus on colorectalcancerfound that among young adults aged 25-49 the increase also concerns mortality, especially in United Kingdom.
The numbers are alarming: in 2024, colorectal cancer mortality in men and almost 39% in women in the UK is expected to increase by 26% compared to 2018. Increases are also estimated in some EU countries, including Italy.
I risk factors Contributing to this trend include overweight, obesity, and related health conditions, such as high blood glucose levels or diabetes. Increased alcohol consumption, decreased physical activity, and a low-fiber, high-fat diet are also risk factors for colorectal cancer.
The increase in mortality from colon cancer in young people is a worrying phenomenon that requires further research and targeted interventions. It is essential, however, to start with promotion healthy lifestyles and it is proposed to bring forward the programmes screening precoce to combat this trend.
Currently, in Italy, screening is offered to men and women every two years between the ages of 50 and 69. However a group of researchers Usawhere nearly one in two diagnoses occur in adults under 50, suggested that the benefit could be maximized by starting the campaign from age 45.
Mauro Marcone