By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A concerning rise in early-onset cancers is being observed in Australians in their 30s and 40s, with some types increasing dramatically since 2000. The rise is not limited to Australia and is raising questions about the causes, with scientists investigating factors such as environmental exposures. Research indicates that changes in the environment, including exposure to plastics and chemicals, coupled with lifestyle factors like obesity and altered gut bacteria, may be contributing to the increased incidence of cancer in younger generations. The ongoing ORIGINS project is aiming to study today’s children to understand the impact of their exposome, hoping to shed light on the causal pathways of these cancers.
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Cancer rates in Australians under 50 are rising at a pace that’s alarming doctors and scientists. It’s a concerning trend, with significant increases reported across several types of cancer in recent years. Looking at the data between 2000 and 2024, some of the most striking rises are in younger age groups. We’re seeing early-onset prostate cancer jump by a staggering 500%, pancreatic cancer by 200%, liver cancer by 150%, uterine cancer by 138%, and kidney cancer by 85% in those aged 30 to 39. That’s a lot of very significant changes in a relatively short amount of time.
While better detection methods might explain some of the rise, particularly for cancers like prostate cancer, the scope of these increases suggests something more profound is going on. It’s not just one or two types of cancer; the trend affects around ten different cancers to varying degrees. Cancer Australia’s chief executive points out that it could be related to factors dating back to our time in the womb. This early exposure to environmental factors could play a surprisingly large role.
Considering possible causes, we have to look back to the 1960s through the 1990s. During that time, there were fewer regulations on the chemicals and substances we were exposed to. The truth is, we’re still uncovering the toxicity of some of those older materials. Our exposure to various contaminants in those years could be contributing to this worrying trend. It is important to acknowledge that many health issues and environmental concerns have been linked to that period.
Of course, lifestyle plays a significant part as well. Stress levels are up, sleep patterns are disrupted, and diets are increasingly poor. We’re also living in a world saturated with plastics, microplastics, and other synthetic compounds. The food supply, with a lack of quality nutrients, coupled with the stress that the younger generations have to face in this day and age has all got to be contributing factors as well. These factors can contribute to cancer, alongside the increased risk of exposure to environmental hazards.
Then there’s the role of healthcare. Australia, with its hybrid public and private healthcare system, allows for more checkups and tests, which could be one reason more cancers are being detected. Early diagnosis is crucial, and this easy access to healthcare helps in identifying and treating cancers at earlier stages. Also, it is important to note that improved diagnostic technologies are leading to the detection of cancers in earlier stages, potentially contributing to higher numbers in official statistics.
It is also worth discussing environmental factors. We are increasingly exposed to mutagens in the air, water, and even the very sand we walk on. The exploitation of nature has increased the prevalence of these mutagens. There’s a widespread lack of accountability when it comes to corporate waste disposal, and this lack of oversight is undoubtedly having an impact. The pervasive presence of “forever chemicals” like PFAS in our environment adds another layer of concern.
The food we eat also plays a major role. High consumption of processed foods, with low fibre, can contribute to the risk of cancer. The focus on high-protein, low-fibre diets, for example, may increase the risk of certain cancers. However, the quality of the food is also key. It’s not just about what we eat but also what’s *not* in our food. And there’s no shortage of potential culprits, from plastics in packaging to pesticides used in agriculture.
Ultimately, cancer is a complex disease with multiple contributing factors. A combination of lifestyle, environmental exposure, and genetics all play a role. We need to consider all these factors to understand the rising cancer rates, and we certainly need to acknowledge the crucial role of environmental factors and their impact on our health.