Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

Colon Cancer Is Rising In Millennials- But This One Symptom Still Feels Too Embarrassing To Talk About

Colorectal cancer, once considered a condition affecting primarily those over the age of 50, is no longer limited to aging adults. The disease is increasingly affecting younger adults—millennials and even members of Gen Z. A report by American Cancer Society reveals that every generation of people born after 1950 is experiencing a higher risk of colorectal cancer, a trend that has left researchers and medical professionals stunned.

The disease, which includes both colon and rectal cancers, is growing most rapidly in adults 20 to 39 years old, with a 2% average annual rate of increase in incidence since the mid-1990s. This epidemiologic transition is causing legitimate public health alarms—and at the core of the crisis is an alarming fact: the most likely symptom of colon cancer is one that many will be too ashamed to discuss.

<h2>One Symptom That Should Never Be Ignored</h2>

In a 2024 study by Joshua Demb, assistant professor and researcher of early-onset colon cancer at the University of California, San Diego, rectal bleeding was the most specific and common early symptom in young adults with colorectal cancer. And yet, it's the one that many people—particularly millennials—are least likely to mention.

Through his interviews with patients, Demb discovered a shared pattern- patients held off on coming in for care because they were embarrassed to discuss "poop" or blood in their stool. This resistance is not anecdotal alone—it is a deeper cultural taboo dating back centuries, especially in Western cultures where bathroom behavior has always been tainted by shame.

Blowing off blood in the toilet or denying pencil-thin stools as benign gastrointestinal problems might cost lives. "When young adults finally come forward, their cancer has usually advanced beyond it should have," Demb said. "Shame about bowel movements can add to delay in diagnosis in a disease where timing is everything."

<h2>Why Young People Are at Greater Risk?</h2>

Although colorectal cancer is still a slow-growing cancer, specialists caution that its increase among young adults may be the result of both genetic susceptibility and lifestyle choices.

Dietary patterns including high consumption of red and processed meats, low fiber intake, physical inactivity, increased prevalence of obesity, and higher alcohol and tobacco consumption are all potential drivers of this trend. The World Cancer Research Fund suggests aiming for less than 18 oz per week of red meat and focusing on a high-fiber, plant-based diet to lower the risk of colorectal cancer.

"We're observing increasingly urbanized, digitally connected young patients with rapid food intake, extended sitting times, and minimal physical activity," says Dr. Maria Ellis, an oncologist who specializes in gastrointestinal cancers. "These habits likely lead to inflammation and alterations in the gut microbiome, all conducive to the initiation of early tumors." 

<h2>The Challenges with Current Screening Guidelines</h2>

One of the largest updates to solving this health crisis is screening age eligibility. Routine colonoscopies are suggested beginning at age 45 to 50 in most countries, including the U.S. But if the demographic that is growing quickest is under 40, this model is already outdated.

Even when young adults come with typical presentations—chronic abdominal pain, change in bowel habits, or bleeding per rectum—the suspicion of cancer is usually ignored by patients and doctors. Colonoscopies are painful, costly (several thousand dollars without insurance), and seldom prescribed for individuals in their twenties or early thirties unless there is a family history.

"There's still a lingering thought among primary care doctors that cancer is an 'older person's disease,'" says Dr. Ellis. "That results in young patients being misdiagnosed with hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, or anxiety-related gastrointestinal issues."

<h2>Psychological Burden on Young Adults</h2>

For young adults and adolescents (AYA), a cancer diagnosis disrupts not only health, but also identity, education, relationships, and planning for the future. A 2025 study presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) identified four core areas of support lacking in AYA cancer treatment: academic accommodations, loss of extracurricular activities, disruption of career trajectory, and loss of peer affiliation.

This age group is typically just starting out in their adult lives—beginning careers, dating, or establishing families. Stigma of "poop talk" creates another layer of loneliness and humiliation, compounding the delay in diagnosis and treatment.

Many of the initial symptoms of colon cancer will look like other diseases like celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or hemorrhoids. But the most important clue to look for is a change from your usual pattern of digestion. If your bowels suddenly change—and remain changed—it's time to see a doctor.

<ul><li>Rectal bleeding</li><li>Unexplained abdominal pain</li><li>Chronic diarrhea or constipation</li><li>Pencil-thin stools</li><li>Fatigue or unexpected weight loss</li></ul>

Young adults should not be afraid to speak up for themselves in doctor's offices, even when they do not have a family history of cancer. A second opinion, particularly in the case of a persistent symptom, can be the difference between life and death.

<h2>Why Talking About Stool Could Be Life-Saving?</h2>

The cultural shame of defecation runs deep—but it's time to break it. Public health initiatives need to incorporate plain language that de-stigmatizes important bodily functions. As Dr. Demb says, "Normalizing conversations about poop isn't just cute or quirky—it's a serious tool in cancer prevention."

Parents, teachers, influencers, and physicians need to all join together in promoting a culture that favors openness regarding gut health. Vocabulary such as "stool" or "rectal bleeding" should not be masked in euphemisms. Millennials, the group that has spearheaded mental health activism and sexual health education, are perfectly placed to help break down this barrier.

Millennials are confronted with an unprecedented health threat that calls for urgency, awareness, and action. Early-onset colon cancer is not only a health problem—it's a cultural one, driven by stigma, misinformation, and outdated screening practices.

Health Conditions A-Z

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Colorectal cancer, once considered a condition affecting primarily those over the age of 50, is no longer limited to aging adults. The disease is increasingly affecting younger adults—millennials and even members of Gen Z. A report by American Cancer Society reveals that every generation of people born after 1950 is experiencing a higher risk of colorectal cancer, a trend that has left researchers and medical professionals stunned.The disease, which includes both colon and rectal cancers, is growing most rapidly in adults 20 to 39 years old, with a 2% average annual rate of increase in incidence since the mid-1990s. This epidemiologic transition is causing legitimate public health alarms—and at the core of the crisis is an alarming fact: the most likely symptom of colon cancer is one that many will be too ashamed to discuss.One Symptom That Should Never Be IgnoredIn a 2024 study by Joshua Demb, assistant professor and researcher of early-onset colon cancer at the University of California, San Diego, rectal bleeding was the most specific and common early symptom in young adults with colorectal cancer. And yet, it's the one that many people—particularly millennials—are least likely to mention.Through his interviews with patients, Demb discovered a shared pattern- patients held off on coming in for care because they were embarrassed to discuss "poop" or blood in their stool. This resistance is not anecdotal alone—it is a deeper cultural taboo dating back centuries, especially in Western cultures where bathroom behavior has always been tainted by shame.Blowing off blood in the toilet or denying pencil-thin stools as benign gastrointestinal problems might cost lives. "When young adults finally come forward, their cancer has usually advanced beyond it should have," Demb said. "Shame about bowel movements can add to delay in diagnosis in a disease where timing is everything."Why Young People Are at Greater Risk?Although colorectal cancer is still a slow-growing cancer, specialists caution that its increase among young adults may be the result of both genetic susceptibility and lifestyle choices.Dietary patterns including high consumption of red and processed meats, low fiber intake, physical inactivity, increased prevalence of obesity, and higher alcohol and tobacco consumption are all potential drivers of this trend. The World Cancer Research Fund suggests aiming for less than 18 oz per week of red meat and focusing on a high-fiber, plant-based diet to lower the risk of colorectal cancer."We're observing increasingly urbanized, digitally connected young patients with rapid food intake, extended sitting times, and minimal physical activity," says Dr. Maria Ellis, an oncologist who specializes in gastrointestinal cancers. "These habits likely lead to inflammation and alterations in the gut microbiome, all conducive to the initiation of early tumors." The Challenges with Current Screening GuidelinesOne of the largest updates to solving this health crisis is screening age eligibility. Routine colonoscopies are suggested beginning at age 45 to 50 in most countries, including the U.S. But if the demographic that is growing quickest is under 40, this model is already outdated.Even when young adults come with typical presentations—chronic abdominal pain, change in bowel habits, or bleeding per rectum—the suspicion of cancer is usually ignored by patients and doctors. Colonoscopies are painful, costly (several thousand dollars without insurance), and seldom prescribed for individuals in their twenties or early thirties unless there is a family history."There's still a lingering thought among primary care doctors that cancer is an 'older person's disease,'" says Dr. Ellis. "That results in young patients being misdiagnosed with hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, or anxiety-related gastrointestinal issues."Psychological Burden on Young AdultsFor young adults and adolescents (AYA), a cancer diagnosis disrupts not only health, but also identity, education, relationships, and planning for the future. A 2025 study presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) identified four core areas of support lacking in AYA cancer treatment: academic accommodations, loss of extracurricular activities, disruption of career trajectory, and loss of peer affiliation.This age group is typically just starting out in their adult lives—beginning careers, dating, or establishing families. Stigma of "poop talk" creates another layer of loneliness and humiliation, compounding the delay in diagnosis and treatment.How to Identify a Red Flag?Many of the initial symptoms of colon cancer will look like other diseases like celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or hemorrhoids. But the most important clue to look for is a change from your usual pattern of digestion. If your bowels suddenly change—and remain changed—it's time to see a doctor.Other signs include:Rectal bleedingUnexplained abdominal painChronic diarrhea or constipationPencil-thin stoolsFatigue or unexpected weight lossYoung adults should not be afraid to speak up for themselves in doctor's offices, even when they do not have a family history of cancer. A second opinion, particularly in the case of a persistent symptom, can be the difference between life and death.Why Talking About Stool Could Be Life-Saving?The cultural shame of defecation runs deep—but it's time to break it. Public health initiatives need to incorporate plain language that de-stigmatizes important bodily functions. As Dr. Demb says, "Normalizing conversations about poop isn't just cute or quirky—it's a serious tool in cancer prevention."Parents, teachers, influencers, and physicians need to all join together in promoting a culture that favors openness regarding gut health. Vocabulary such as "stool" or "rectal bleeding" should not be masked in euphemisms. Millennials, the group that has spearheaded mental health activism and sexual health education, are perfectly placed to help break down this barrier.Millennials are confronted with an unprecedented health threat that calls for urgency, awareness, and action. Early-onset colon cancer is not only a health problem—it's a cultural one, driven by stigma, misinformation, and outdated screening practices.

colon cancer is rising in millennials- but this one symptom still feels too embarrassing to talk about

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We have all had days when things are difficult to remember, you may forget something you did yesterday, or misplaced an important object etc. While these may be normal occurrences that do not have a big reason behind it, imagine this on a much larger scale. Knowing you will forget things, memories and in the end, find yourself facing the difficult diagnosis of cognitive decline. 

<span>Alzheimer's</span> disease, which is a neurodegenerative disease that affects a person's ability to think and depletes their cognitive functions. As you may be aware, Alzheimer's does not have a cure. However, there are medications available that can help reduce the symptoms of it. Researchers have looked into many different aspects of <span>dementia</span>, foods that affect the brain, activities as well as other important factors, to improve the knowledge we have of the disease and its treatment. Some have found great results that could help people identify the disease earlier, helping them get treatment and options to maintain their quality of life. 

New research suggests that the first hints of Alzheimer's disease might show up many years before someone even realizes they're losing their memory. This big discovery could completely change how we fight this disease, which is now the UK's top killer. 

Researchers are saying that problems with spatial awareness could be the earliest signs of Alzheimer's. This means things like having trouble using a GPS, or standing too close to people without realizing it. These signs might appear up to 20 years before more common symptoms like memory loss and confusion. This Seattle based study, looked at the brains of 84 Alzheimer's patients after they died. They found surprising proof that brain cells were dying very early, even before any damage could be seen on brain scans. 

Using advanced computer programs, scientists tracked harmful brain proteins called tau and amyloid, which are strongly linked to Alzheimer's. They found that even small amounts of these proteins damaged important brain cells called inhibitory neurons. Experts explain that finding these first damaged neurons is "crucial for developing treatments to protect them and prevent further cognitive decline." 

These sensitive brain cells seem to be attacked first in what's being called the 'stealth phase' of Alzheimer's. This early damage could start a slow breakdown of thinking abilities that eventually spreads to the parts of the brain responsible for language and memory. The sooner we find the disease, the better our chances are of slowing it down or even stopping it. 

<h2>Growing Problem and What We Can Do </h2>

According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, every 3 seconds, someone in the world develops dementia. In 2020, over 55 million people worldwide were living with dementia. This number is expected to almost double every 20 years, reaching 78 million by 2030 and a staggering 139 million by 2050. 

A large part of this increase will be in developing countries. Already, 60% of people with dementia live in lower and middle-income countries, and this figure is projected to rise to 71% by 2050. The fastest growth in older populations is happening in countries like China, India, and their neighboring regions in South Asia and the Western Pacific. 

Reports like the <span>World Alzheimer Report</span> 2015 (and its updates in 2017 and the WHO's Global Status Report in 2020) provide vital information on how common dementia is, how many new cases appear, and its costs. These reports and studies offer important recommendations for a global approach to dementia. They also look at evidence of recent trends in dementia over time and analyze its wider impact on society.

“Stealth Stage” Of Alzheimer's

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We have all had days when things are difficult to remember, you may forget something you did yesterday, or misplaced an important object etc. While these may be normal occurrences that do not have a big reason behind it, imagine this on a much larger scale. Knowing you will forget things, memories and in the end, find yourself facing the difficult diagnosis of cognitive decline. Alzheimer's disease, which is a neurodegenerative disease that affects a person's ability to think and depletes their cognitive functions. As you may be aware, Alzheimer's does not have a cure. However, there are medications available that can help reduce the symptoms of it. Researchers have looked into many different aspects of dementia, foods that affect the brain, activities as well as other important factors, to improve the knowledge we have of the disease and its treatment. Some have found great results that could help people identify the disease earlier, helping them get treatment and options to maintain their quality of life. New research suggests that the first hints of Alzheimer's disease might show up many years before someone even realizes they're losing their memory. This big discovery could completely change how we fight this disease, which is now the UK's top killer. Changes in How You Sense Space Researchers are saying that problems with spatial awareness could be the earliest signs of Alzheimer's. This means things like having trouble using a GPS, or standing too close to people without realizing it. These signs might appear up to 20 years before more common symptoms like memory loss and confusion. This Seattle based study, looked at the brains of 84 Alzheimer's patients after they died. They found surprising proof that brain cells were dying very early, even before any damage could be seen on brain scans. Damage Inside the Brain Using advanced computer programs, scientists tracked harmful brain proteins called tau and amyloid, which are strongly linked to Alzheimer's. They found that even small amounts of these proteins damaged important brain cells called inhibitory neurons. Experts explain that finding these first damaged neurons is "crucial for developing treatments to protect them and prevent further cognitive decline." These sensitive brain cells seem to be attacked first in what's being called the 'stealth phase' of Alzheimer's. This early damage could start a slow breakdown of thinking abilities that eventually spreads to the parts of the brain responsible for language and memory. The sooner we find the disease, the better our chances are of slowing it down or even stopping it. Growing Problem and What We Can Do According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, every 3 seconds, someone in the world develops dementia. In 2020, over 55 million people worldwide were living with dementia. This number is expected to almost double every 20 years, reaching 78 million by 2030 and a staggering 139 million by 2050. A large part of this increase will be in developing countries. Already, 60% of people with dementia live in lower and middle-income countries, and this figure is projected to rise to 71% by 2050. The fastest growth in older populations is happening in countries like China, India, and their neighboring regions in South Asia and the Western Pacific. Reports like the World Alzheimer Report 2015 (and its updates in 2017 and the WHO's Global Status Report in 2020) provide vital information on how common dementia is, how many new cases appear, and its costs. These reports and studies offer important recommendations for a global approach to dementia. They also look at evidence of recent trends in dementia over time and analyze its wider impact on society.

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<span>Cancer</span> research has come a long way, although dreams of curing cancer as a whole persist. Researchers have found ways to get the disease under control, as well as how to help people become cancer free. The treatment options available for cancer patients are radiation therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, as well as surgeries to cut out or treat targeted areas. However, a groundbreaking study has helped researchers develop a new cancer treatment, that has increased the rate of survival by 40%.

Researchers from Peking University Cancer Hospital &amp; Institute in China, whose findings were published in The Lancet medical journal, stated that this method "could represent a paradigm shift" in care. These exciting results were shared at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's (ASCO) annual conference in Chicago. 

This study is the first-ever randomized controlled trial to investigate CAR-T therapy for solid tumors. Randomized controlled trials are considered the gold standard for proving whether a treatment is effective. 

Now, a significant study presented at the world's largest cancer conference has revealed that CAR-T therapy could also fight solid tumors, which make up about 90% of all adult human cancers. The research, involving over 100 patients with advanced stomach or gastro-oesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer, showed that those treated with CAR-T therapy lived 40% longer on average than patients who received standard care.

CAR-T therapy is a form of immunotherapy where the treatment cells are made by the patient’s own T-cells, which are white blood cells that protect our bodies from infections. These cells are used to fight cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. Experts call it the “living drug”, as the T-cells are collected from the patients blood, and modified to produce a special protein called chimeric antigen receptors, or CARs. These cells then latch onto the antigens present in the cancer cells. They also enhance the ability of T-cells to kill cancer.

Specifically, patients who got CAR-T cell therapy survived for an average of 7.9 months, compared to 5.5 months with standard care. They also had 3.3 months without their cancer getting worse, compared to 1.8 months for those on standard care. 

<h2>What Does This Mean For Future Cancer Treatments? </h2>

Experts are hailing this as a "groundbreaking milestone" for using CAR-T therapies to treat solid tumors. Some found the results "exciting," calling it a crucial moment that should motivate the cancer research community to keep pushing forward. 

A director of research and partnerships at a prominent cancer research organization found it "encouraging" to see early signs that CAR-T cell therapy could help patients with solid tumors. They noted that while more extensive trials are needed before it can be widely used, it could mark an important step ahead for patients who have had limited treatment options so far. 

Researchers highlighted that the treatment only extended survival by about two months. They also emphasized the importance of finding ways to lower the cost of CAR-T therapy to make it widely accessible. Despite this, they expressed encouragement that this represents another potential treatment option for gastric cancer patients, whose prognosis is generally very poor, hoping it could offer "meaningful longevity." 

leap for solid tumorsnow

New Cancer Therapy

Cancer Therapy Increases Survival Rate

cancer survival rates

Cancer

treatment options for cancer

Cancer research has come a long way, although dreams of curing cancer as a whole persist. Researchers have found ways to get the disease under control, as well as how to help people become cancer free. The treatment options available for cancer patients are radiation therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, as well as surgeries to cut out or treat targeted areas. However, a groundbreaking study has helped researchers develop a new cancer treatment, that has increased the rate of survival by 40%.Researchers from Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute in China, whose findings were published in The Lancet medical journal, stated that this method "could represent a paradigm shift" in care. These exciting results were shared at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's (ASCO) annual conference in Chicago. This study is the first-ever randomized controlled trial to investigate CAR-T therapy for solid tumors. Randomized controlled trials are considered the gold standard for proving whether a treatment is effective. Major Leap for Solid TumorsNow, a significant study presented at the world's largest cancer conference has revealed that CAR-T therapy could also fight solid tumors, which make up about 90% of all adult human cancers. The research, involving over 100 patients with advanced stomach or gastro-oesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer, showed that those treated with CAR-T therapy lived 40% longer on average than patients who received standard care.CAR-T therapy is a form of immunotherapy where the treatment cells are made by the patient’s own T-cells, which are white blood cells that protect our bodies from infections. These cells are used to fight cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. Experts call it the “living drug”, as the T-cells are collected from the patients blood, and modified to produce a special protein called chimeric antigen receptors, or CARs. These cells then latch onto the antigens present in the cancer cells. They also enhance the ability of T-cells to kill cancer.Specifically, patients who got CAR-T cell therapy survived for an average of 7.9 months, compared to 5.5 months with standard care. They also had 3.3 months without their cancer getting worse, compared to 1.8 months for those on standard care. What Does This Mean For Future Cancer Treatments? Experts are hailing this as a "groundbreaking milestone" for using CAR-T therapies to treat solid tumors. Some found the results "exciting," calling it a crucial moment that should motivate the cancer research community to keep pushing forward. A director of research and partnerships at a prominent cancer research organization found it "encouraging" to see early signs that CAR-T cell therapy could help patients with solid tumors. They noted that while more extensive trials are needed before it can be widely used, it could mark an important step ahead for patients who have had limited treatment options so far. Researchers highlighted that the treatment only extended survival by about two months. They also emphasized the importance of finding ways to lower the cost of CAR-T therapy to make it widely accessible. Despite this, they expressed encouragement that this represents another potential treatment option for gastric cancer patients, whose prognosis is generally very poor, hoping it could offer "meaningful longevity." 

new cancer therapy increases survival rate by 40%: study

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From time and again doctors have said that no amount of <span>alcohol</span> is good for you. Alcohol, in fact, is a carcinogen. As per the National Human Genome Research Institute, a carcinogen is a substance, organism or agent capable of causing <span>cancer</span>. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) also classifies alcohol as Group 1 carcinogen, which means, there is enough evidence to conclude that it causes cancers in human. The risk of cancer increases with the amount of alcohol consume, and the risk stats from the first drink. 

As per a new study, it is also linked to <span>pancreatic cancer</span>. While for the longest, the scientific community had "limited" or "inconclusive" connection on it. However, a large study by the World Health Organization's (WHO) IARC looked at data from around 2 million people across 30 studies in four continents. This was done for over 16 years. 

The study found a slight rise in pancreatic cancer risk linked to alcohol consumption, regardless of gender or smoking status. The increase was more pronounced in women consuming 15 grams or more of alcohol daily, and in men who drank 30 grams or more per day.

The study has been published in PLOS Medicine, and it found a modest yet consistent link between alcohol consumption and pancreatic cancer risk. 

The study found that for every 10 grams of alcohol that is consumed by a person on a daily basis, which amounts to a small glass of wine, the pancreatic cancer risk increases by 3 percent. 

Among women who consumed between 15 and 30 grams of alcohol per day, the risk of developing pancreatic cancer increased by 12 percent compared to those with only light intake (0.1–5 grams/day). In men, the danger climbed more steeply—those drinking 30 to 60 grams daily faced a 15 percent higher risk, while men consuming over 60 grams saw their risk surge by a striking 36 percent.

Put simply, if your daily wind-down routine involves more than the occasional drink, it may be worth thinking twice about what that glass is really costing your health.

<h4>How Does Alcohol Pave Way For Pancreatic Cancer?</h4>

Triggers Inflammation: Long-term alcohol use can irritate and inflame the pancreas, a condition known as pancreatitis. Over time, this chronic inflammation becomes a known risk factor for pancreatic cancer.

Damages Genetic Material: When alcohol breaks down in the body, it turns into acetaldehyde—a toxic compound that’s notoriously harsh on DNA. It can lead to mutations and interfere with your body’s natural ability to repair damaged cells.

Disrupts Glucose Balance: Alcohol interferes with glucose metabolism and insulin function. Since the pancreas plays a central role in both, this disruption puts it under considerable stress and may increase the likelihood of tumour development over time.

<strong>Drives Oxidative Stress: </strong>Drinking introduces oxidative stress—an unhealthy imbalance between damaging free radicals and protective antioxidants. This imbalance harms cell structures and creates an environment in which cancer can thrive.

Lowers Immune Defences: Consistent alcohol consumption weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to detect and eliminate abnormal or potentially cancerous cells before they multiply.

That said, the study isn’t without limitations. It measured alcohol intake only once during the study period and had limited data from Asian populations. It also didn’t explore lifetime drinking patterns or compare the impacts of occasional binge drinking with regular consumption.

While pancreatic cancer ranks twelfth in global cancer incidence, it is far deadlier than its ranking suggests—contributing to roughly 5 percent of all cancer-related deaths worldwide.

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alcohol

pancreatic cancer

From time and again doctors have said that no amount of alcohol is good for you. Alcohol, in fact, is a carcinogen. As per the National Human Genome Research Institute, a carcinogen is a substance, organism or agent capable of causing cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) also classifies alcohol as Group 1 carcinogen, which means, there is enough evidence to conclude that it causes cancers in human. The risk of cancer increases with the amount of alcohol consume, and the risk stats from the first drink. As per a new study, it is also linked to pancreatic cancer. While for the longest, the scientific community had "limited" or "inconclusive" connection on it. However, a large study by the World Health Organization's (WHO) IARC looked at data from around 2 million people across 30 studies in four continents. This was done for over 16 years. What Did The Study Find?The study found a slight rise in pancreatic cancer risk linked to alcohol consumption, regardless of gender or smoking status. The increase was more pronounced in women consuming 15 grams or more of alcohol daily, and in men who drank 30 grams or more per day.The study has been published in PLOS Medicine, and it found a modest yet consistent link between alcohol consumption and pancreatic cancer risk. The study found that for every 10 grams of alcohol that is consumed by a person on a daily basis, which amounts to a small glass of wine, the pancreatic cancer risk increases by 3 percent. What Does "Modest Risk" Mean?Among women who consumed between 15 and 30 grams of alcohol per day, the risk of developing pancreatic cancer increased by 12 percent compared to those with only light intake (0.1–5 grams/day). In men, the danger climbed more steeply—those drinking 30 to 60 grams daily faced a 15 percent higher risk, while men consuming over 60 grams saw their risk surge by a striking 36 percent.Put simply, if your daily wind-down routine involves more than the occasional drink, it may be worth thinking twice about what that glass is really costing your health.How Does Alcohol Pave Way For Pancreatic Cancer?Triggers Inflammation: Long-term alcohol use can irritate and inflame the pancreas, a condition known as pancreatitis. Over time, this chronic inflammation becomes a known risk factor for pancreatic cancer.Damages Genetic Material: When alcohol breaks down in the body, it turns into acetaldehyde—a toxic compound that’s notoriously harsh on DNA. It can lead to mutations and interfere with your body’s natural ability to repair damaged cells.Disrupts Glucose Balance: Alcohol interferes with glucose metabolism and insulin function. Since the pancreas plays a central role in both, this disruption puts it under considerable stress and may increase the likelihood of tumour development over time.Drives Oxidative Stress: Drinking introduces oxidative stress—an unhealthy imbalance between damaging free radicals and protective antioxidants. This imbalance harms cell structures and creates an environment in which cancer can thrive.Lowers Immune Defences: Consistent alcohol consumption weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to detect and eliminate abnormal or potentially cancerous cells before they multiply.That said, the study isn’t without limitations. It measured alcohol intake only once during the study period and had limited data from Asian populations. It also didn’t explore lifetime drinking patterns or compare the impacts of occasional binge drinking with regular consumption.While pancreatic cancer ranks twelfth in global cancer incidence, it is far deadlier than its ranking suggests—contributing to roughly 5 percent of all cancer-related deaths worldwide.

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