An analysis of data from the National Cancer Institute published this week Annals of internal medicine has found a sharp increase in appendix cancer (appendical adenocarcinoma) in the United States, especially among generation X and generation Y.
By examining nearly 5,000 cases of cancer of the appendix, the researchers noted that the incidence of cancer in adults of generation X was more than 3 times higher compared to a control group of adults born between 1941 and 1949. During millennials, the cancer rate was 4 times higher than the control group.
“It is concern that we see cancer rates in the triple annex among genres and quadruplant among older millennials,” explains the author of the main study Andreana N. Holowatyj, PHD, assistant professor of hematology, oncology and biology of cancer at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
“But I also think that it is important to underline the scarcity of this disease overall and not to arouse a considerable alarm.”
The increase in appendix cancer rates is part of a trend
Why do more young people get gastrointestinal cancers?
Because cancer was considered an elderly disease, the recent jump of gastrointestinal cancers in young adults was confusing. Research on the reasons why it occurs has only started recently, and until now, researchers have not identified a clear reason for the trend.
The evidence, however, suggests that these gastrointestinal cancers can share similar modifiable risk factors-such as obesity, poor diet, alcohol consumption and tobacco consumption, according to Ardaman Shergill, MD, an oncologist specializing in gastrointestinal cancers of Uchicago medicine.
“I speculate that risk reduction strategies in other cancers, such as not smoking, stopping or at least limiting alcohol, and regular exercise, can also have beneficial effects on annex cancer,” said Dr. Shergill, who was not involved in the study.
Holowatyj adds that genetics can also play a role, and its laboratory work to better understand how various risk factors can contribute to the disease.
“I am inspired by all my patients who have fought against appendix cancer and continue to fight against the appendix when they try to help us understand what stimulates the development of diseases and how we can reduce this burden over time,” she said.
What are the symptoms of annex cancer?
The prevention of cancer of the annex is vital, as this disease can be particularly difficult to diagnose in its beginnings before cancer spreads.
“The symptoms of annex cancer are vague, non-specific and often overlap with other gastrointestinal or gynecological cancers,” explains Zachary J. Brown, DO, a surgical oncologist and assistant teacher of surgery in NYU Grossman Island School of Medicine in New York.
“Patients may experience non -specific symptoms such as persistent abdominal pain, fatigue or unexplained weight loss. Due to non -specific symptoms and not be able to see this cancer on colonoscopy, cancers of the annex are often at a late stage, “said Dr. Brown.
- Acute appendicitis (most cases of cancer in the appendix are discovered during appendicitis surgery, which is painful inflammation of the annex)
- Abdominal bloating
- Wave pain in the lower right abdomen
- Pelvic discomfort
- NEW HERNIES
- Intestinal obstruction
- Changes in intestinal habits
- Ovarian masses
How is annex cancer treated?
“Often, it is long surgeries that require many hours to finish,” says Shergill.
“There is still so much to learn about this disease,” said Brown, who was not involved in the study. “A better understanding of tumor biology, molecular characteristics as well as final risk factors for cancer in the appendix is essential.
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