A “major” and “very significant” increase in cases of gastrointestinal cancers among adults aged 30 to 50 has been observed over the last 20 years in Quebec, confirms a gastroenterologist at Charles-Le Moyne Hospital in an interview with TVA Nouvelles.
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Cancer diagnoses in thirty-somethings skyrocketed by 20% between 2010 and 2019, particularly for gastrointestinal cancers, which saw a 15% increase.
Among gastrointestinal cancers, these include cancers of the colon, rectum, and stomach.
Dr. Michaël Bensoussan explains that this rise in cancer cases is particularly “marked” in Western countries, including Canada, Europe, and the United States.
“It is therefore clear that this increase is linked to our lifestyle, our way of living, and our consumption patterns, which are different from other countries,” emphasizes the gastroenterologist.
The Western diet at fault?
He wonders whether the Western diet is involved in this increase in cases of gastrointestinal cancers.
Two scenarios are possible, according to Dr. Bensoussan: toxic and chemical products mainly present in ultra-processed foods or deep changes in the human microbiome, that is, the intestinal flora.
This second hypothesis is the one that is “most highlighted in the scientific community,” notes the gastroenterologist.
“The intestine is a second brain populated by trillions of bacteria that live in symbiosis with us, but which tend to be deeply modified depending on the diet we adopt,” explains Dr. Michaël Bensoussan.
He emphasizes that if your diet consists of fish, fruits, vegetables, and olive oil, your intestinal flora will not be the same as if it consists of fries, pizzas, ice creams, or cakes.
“Is it going to be the action of this modification of the intestinal flora on the carcinogenic phenomena in the cells of your body?” he questions.
The increase in cancer cases among young adults could be attributed to neglecting and delaying medical appointments.
Are diets a good idea?
If you adopt a diet to lose weight, Dr. Bensoussan suggests that when you stop it, “you will regain the weight, sometimes even more than before the diet.”
He particularly advises to “eat balanced and varied.”
A diet can have an impact on the intestinal flora, immunity, and health, as it will profoundly alter the balance between the different bacterial strains that make up our intestinal flora, he notes.
However, medicine does not yet have precise answers regarding the specific consequences of dietary changes.
See the complete interview above.
Rising Gastrointestinal Cancer Cases: A Call for Dietary Awareness
A significant and alarming surge in gastrointestinal cancers among adults aged 30 to 50 has been reported in Quebec over the past two decades. Renowned gastroenterologist Dr. Michaël Bensoussan from Charles-Le Moyne Hospital emphasizes that these trends reflect broader patterns observed in many Western nations, including Canada, Europe, and the United States.
From 2010 to 2019, cancer diagnoses in individuals in their thirties surged by 20%, with gastrointestinal cancers—specifically affecting the colon, rectum, and stomach—seeing a notable 15% increase. This pattern brings about crucial questions regarding lifestyle and dietary impacts on health.
The Role of Western Diet
Dr. Bensoussan suggests that the Western diet, characterized by high consumption of ultra-processed foods, could play a pivotal role in this rise. He identifies two primary scenarios: the use of toxic chemicals in food and significant alterations in the human microbiome, or gut flora. The latter theory, gaining traction in scientific circles, highlights the gut as a “second brain” populated by countless bacteria that thrive symbiotically with human beings. Changes in dietary patterns could therefore yield profound effects on gut health and, by extension, cancer risk.
For example, a diet rich in fish, fruits, vegetables, and olive oil is likely to foster a different gut microbiota compared to one filled with fried foods and sweets. This disruption raises the question: could the alteration in gut flora contribute to cancerous cell changes in the body?
Healthcare Access and Trends
The increasing prevalence of cancer in younger adults may also be linked to the tendency to delay medical consultations. Awareness and accessibility to healthcare play critical roles in early detection and intervention.
Dieting and Its Implications
When considering dietary changes for weight loss, Dr. Bensoussan warns that many people tend to regain weight once they abandon their diets, sometimes surpassing their initial weight. Instead, he advocates for a balanced and varied diet that supports overall health and well-being.
While changes in diet can influence gut health and immunity, the exact consequences of dietary modifications remain poorly understood in medical science. Continued research is essential for unraveling the intricate relationships between diet, gut microbiota, and cancer risks, paving the way for better preventive strategies and public health policies.