UK’s top cancer doctors share two foods that could be driving disease as cases in under 50s rise

More and more people under 50 are being diagnosed with cancer, and one expert is explaining the reasons behind this increase.

These days, anyone can develop cancer, and that’s just a fact of life. However, there are signs that can show if your body is creating a good place for cancer cells to grow.

A study from 2023 shows that in the last thirty years, the rate of young people diagnosed with cancer has gone up by 25 percent in the UK and a huge 80 percent around the world.

Even though a lot of experts are uncertain about the reasons, cancer specialist Professor Charles Swanton believes it has a lot to do with what we eat.

The cancer doctor and top expert at Cancer Research UK thinks that our diet is a strong sign of the worrying rise in cancer cases.

Cancer in the under 50 group has risen by 80 percent worldwide (Getty Stock Image)

Last year, during a talk at the American Society of Clinical Oncology, he shared that research has shown some people who develop bowel cancer at a young age might have had their condition started by bacteria in their gut.

This type of bacteria is often present in the intestines of people who consume a diet that is low in fiber and high in sugar.

He said: “What we are seeing in some studies is some tumours from patients with early-onset colorectal cancer harbour mutations that might be initiated by these microbial species.”

The mutations may impact your ability to ward off cancer.

At the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Cancer Conference in 2015, Professor Swanton mentioned that consuming red or processed meats might significantly increase your risk of getting bowel cancer.

These foods are most commonly ham or bacon.

Matthew Lambert, who works as a nutritionist and health information manager at the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), shared with Mail Online, “We recommend that people should reduce their intake of highly processed foods that are high in saturated fats, sugars, and salt.”

Consistently eating red or processed meats – like bacon and ham – could give you a ‘much higher’ chance of developing bowel cancer (Getty Stock Image)

This covers snacks and treats such as cakes, cookies, pastries, chips, sugary drinks, and quick meals like pizza and hamburgers.

“These types of food have no fibre and contain virtually no essential nutrients, they should only be eaten occasionally and in small amounts.”

While more people under 50 are getting cancer these days, about 90 percent of all cancer cases still happen in those who are over 50.

According to Cancer Research UK, 50 percent of all cancers affect the over-75 age group.

Dr. Nicholas DeVito pointed out that the increase in junk food diets is a big reason why more people under 50 are getting diagnosed with cancer, especially in the United States. He even thinks some unhealthy foods should be banned.

He contributed to STAT News by saying, “Wanting to keep Americans safe from things that can lead to cancer and other illnesses should be more important than political parties or motivations, especially when facing pressure from big industries.”

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images