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Time of India
13-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Appendix cancer is no longer rare for millennials and Gen X: Study
Appendix cancer Once regarded as exceedingly rare, appendix cancer, specifically appendiceal adenocarcinoma (AA), is now rising sharply in younger adults, especially among Gen X and millennials. A new retrospective study conducted by researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and published in the Annals of Internal Medicine has brought this unsettling trend to light. What is Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma Appendiceal adenocarcinoma is a rare form of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer that begins in the appendix, a small, finger-like pouch connected to the large intestine. While traditionally considered uncommon, affecting about 3,000 people per year in the U.S., AA now appears to be increasing at an alarming rate, especially among adults under 50. Study finds significant appendix cancer surge in post-1945 birth cohorts A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine examined birth cohort patterns across 21 overlapping generations using data from eight SEER cancer registries, examining 4,858 confirmed cases of primary AA in patients aged 20 and older from 1975 to 2019. Read the primary findings from the study: Individuals born in 1980 had a more than 3-fold increase in AA incidence compared to those born in 1945. For those born in 1985, the rates were over 4.5 times higher. This pattern shows that people born after 1945 are more likely to develop appendix cancer, possibly because of changes in lifestyle or the environment that have affected these generations differently. Possible reasons for rise in appendix cancer rates Dr. Andreana Holowatyj , lead researcher and assistant professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, stressed that the increase is not simply due to more appendectomies being performed. Surgical removal rates have remained relatively stable, indicating that external factors, not detection bias, are likely contributing to the surge. Although the exact cause remains undeciphered, professionals point to several potential causes: Increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, sugary drinks, and processed meats. Rising rates of obesity and metabolic syndrome both linked to cancer development. Environmental exposures, including pollutants, microplastics, and changes in gut microbiota. These lifestyle and environmental changes, especially among people born after 1945, are believed to be part of a wider pattern affecting GI health in younger populations. Why appendix cancer is so difficult to detect Diagnosing appendix cancer is quite difficult and often misdiagnosed because it often presents with non-specific symptoms and currently lacks reliable screening methods. At present, there are no blood or urine tests that can accurately detect it, making early identification difficult. In the majority of cases, appendix cancer is discovered incidentally, during surgery for other conditions such as appendicitis. In other situations, the disease may only be identified after it has spread to the abdomen, causing more visible symptoms like: Abdominal pain or bloating Fluid buildup (ascites) Unexplained weight loss Fatigue and digestive discomfort To confirm if someone has appendix cancer, doctors usually need to take a small tissue sample from the appendix, called a biopsy. Scans like CTs aren't always helpful in spotting this cancer early. That's because appendix cancer doesn't usually form a solid lump like other cancers. Instead, it spreads out in thin layers, making it harder to see. As Dr. John Paul Shen puts it, 'It's like painting the walls of a room with cancer. ' The difficulty in diagnosing is preceded by the early symptoms, like bloating, loss of appetite, or changes in digestion, that are vague and easy to overlook. Because of this, many people are diagnosed late, when treatment becomes more difficult. Potential causes under study Professionals, including Dr. Andrea Cercek from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, suggest that environmental causes, such as: Food and water contamination Microplastics Sedentary lifestyle Highly processed diets As of now, the exact causes of appendix cancer remain unknown; scientists are urging further research into environmental exposures, genetic predispositions, and molecular changes that may play a role in its development because researching more into these factors could pave the way for earlier detection and help reduce the increasing risk among younger generations. Also read | The rise of colorectal and other GI cancers in young people
Health Line
17-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Rare Appendix Cancer Cases Are Rising in Gen Xers, Millennials: What to Know
Appendix cancer cases are rising among young adults, according to new research. Gen Xers and older Millennials face three to four times the risk compared to those born in the 1940s. Appendix cancer is rare, and regular screening is not common, so it's important to discuss any unusual abdominal symptoms with your doctor. Appendix cancer cases are rising sharply among young adults, a new study shows. The findings, published June 10 in Annals of Internal Medicine, found that Gen Xers and Millennials are developing appendix cancer at significantly higher rates than their parents. Experts caution that this type of cancer remains exceedingly rare, affecting about 1 or 2 people per million per year. Still, the uptick mirrors a broader trend in rising early onset cancers in young people, such as colorectal cancer. 'Compared to those born in the 1940s, Gen X and older Millennials are around three times more likely to be diagnosed with appendix cancer overall. That was quite striking to us,' said Andreana N. Holowatyj, PhD, MS, an assistant professor of hematology and oncology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, and first author of the study. 'Seeing these parallel effects across other gastrointestinal cancers really makes us raise an eyebrow as to what are the etiologies that are underpinning these alarming and worrisome trends,' Holowatyj told Healthline. Kiran Turaga, MD, MPH, the chief of surgical oncology at the Yale School of Medicine, said the study validates what he often sees in practice. Turaga was not involved in the study. 'Last week in clinic, I saw 18-year-olds and 20-year-olds with appendix cancer. This is a real phenomenon that we're noticing,' he told Healthline. Little guidance currently exists on appendix cancer screening and prevention. However, the findings from this new research could heighten awareness of this rare form of cancer emerging in young adults. Appendix cancer is 3 to 4 times higher in Millennials, Gen Xers The researchers analyzed appendix cancer rates across generations using the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry. They identified 4,858 cases of appendix cancer in individuals ages 20 and older from 1975 through 2019. When examining incidence over time, an unsettling trend emerged. Rates have risen annually since 1945, with those born between 1975 and 1985 experiencing three to four times the incidence rate of individuals born in the 1940s. This increase does not appear to be solely due to confounding factors such as improved imaging technology. 'This is not just a phenomenon of increased detection,' Turaga said. 'Just looking at the magnitude of these numbers, combined with what we're seeing in our clinics and what we understand about our patients, I do believe that this is a true phenomenon of increasing incidence of appendix cancer, especially in younger adults.' Appendix cancer is rare — accounting for fewer than 1% of gastrointestinal cancers — and has often been lumped in with more common colon and other GI cancers. As a result, comparatively little is known about its biology and epidemiology. In many cases, appendix cancer is diagnosed incidentally after appendicitis surgery, when the removed appendix is sent for biopsy. Historically, appendix tumors were classified as right-sided colon cancers rather than recognized as a distinct biological entity. 'Over the last decade or so, evidence has emerged saying the biology of an appendix tumor and a right-sided colon tumor are different, really predicating the need for additional studies,' Holowatyj said. 'Even right now, because there are no FDA-approved therapies for appendix cancer and due to a lack of evidence, appendix cancers in clinical guidelines are treated like right-sided colon tumors,' she continued. Why are early onset cancer rates increasing? Young adults are at increased risk for a multitude of cancers compared to older generations. A 2024 study, published in Lancet Public Health, found that Millennials had a higher risk of 17 different forms of cancer, including: breast cancer uterine (endometrial) cancer colorectal cancer stomach cancer testicular cancer ovarian cancer Despite the evidence demonstrating these trends, it's unclear what's driving them. 'It's not going to come down to just one factor. It's going to be a constellation of factors, including both lifestyle factors, such as the effects of obesity, physical inactivity, and dietary patterns, together with the environment,' said Holowatyj. Turaga noted some potential environmental culprits, but stressed that there is no clear evidence to suggest a causal link at this time. Some hypotheses include: antibiotics (in both humans and animals) dysregulation of gut flora (dysbiosis) microplastics exposure air pollution ultra-processed foods rising obesity rates 'It's incredibly challenging to pinpoint these factors, so we're not quite there yet, but hopefully with additional evidence we'll be able to understand what factors specifically are increasing risk of this disease so that we can work to create effective strategies to reverse these trends and reduce the overall burden,' said Holowatyj. One added complication specific to appendix cancer noted by Holowatyj and others is the increasing regularity of treating appendicitis with antibiotics rather than surgical removal. This pivot to less invasive treatment of appendicitis could potentially lead to worse outcomes for patients with appendix cancer. 'The challenge becomes that if you ignore someone who has a tumor who has appendicitis and you treat it with antibiotics, that's one big risk factor for these patients actually progressing without being treated,' she said. Appendix cancer prevention There are no standardized approaches to screening for appendix cancer. Even colonoscopies, considered the gold standard for colon cancer screening, can miss them, Yun Song, MD, an assistant professor of surgical oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center who wasn't involved in the research, told Healthline. Given this lack of screening, she encourages everyone to be aware of what possible signs and symptoms look like. 'I recommend paying attention to unexpected weight loss or nagging, sometimes subtle, abdominal symptoms (pain, discomfort, bloating) that won't go away, and seeking appropriate medical attention for these issues. In women, appendix cancers may also be confused with gynecologic issues,' she said. According to the National Cancer Institute, common symptoms of appendix cancer may include: abdominal pain feeling bloated or growing abdominal size a mass in the abdomen nausea and vomiting feeling full soon after starting to eat 'Despite an increasing incidence, appendix cancers are still rare, so not every abdominal symptom means you have appendix cancer. With that said, be aware of your family history, as multiple family members with cancer may mean that you are at increased risk for cancer,' Song said.
Arab Times
15-06-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Rare appendix cancer increasing in younger adults, research shows
NEW YORK, June 15: Though still extremely rare, appendix cancer is becoming more common, particularly among younger generations, according to a new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. An analysis of data from the National Cancer Institute has revealed that rates of appendix cancer have tripled among Generation X and quadrupled among millennials when compared to older generations. 'There is a disproportionate burden of appendix cancer among young individuals,' said Dr. Andreana Holowatyj, the study's lead author and assistant professor of hematology and oncology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center. Holowatyj noted that earlier research had already shown that one in three appendix cancer cases occurs in adults under 50, a significant contrast to colorectal cancer, where only one in eight cases affects those under 50. Appendix cancer remains extremely rare, with the National Cancer Institute estimating an annual incidence of only 1 to 2 cases per million people in the U.S. To examine trends over time, Holowatyj and her team analyzed data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program, which covers nearly half of the U.S. population. Between 1975 and 2019, a total of 4,858 appendix cancer cases were recorded. The generational increase in younger patients diagnosed with appendix cancer highlights the urgent need to investigate underlying causes, Holowatyj said. 'It's important that we find the causes underpinning these statistics in order to reverse this trend and reduce the disease burden.' Experts say this pattern reflects a broader rise in gastrointestinal cancers among younger adults. Dr. Andrea Cercek, co-director of the Center for Early Onset Colorectal and GI Cancers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, emphasized that while the exact cause remains unclear, environmental and lifestyle factors may be playing a role. 'It's likely that there are environmental causes, including exposures through food, water, and microplastics, as well as lifestyle and dietary changes,' Cercek said. 'It's probably not one single factor but multiple contributing elements since 1945.' The appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine, is best known for causing appendicitis. Unlike other gastrointestinal cancers, appendix cancers are harder to detect on scans or through colonoscopy. Dr. Deborah Doroshow of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai noted that most appendix cancers are not identified until after a patient undergoes surgery for appendicitis. 'About 95% of appendix cancers are discovered only after removal and pathological examination of the appendix,' Holowatyj added. This typically results in later-stage diagnoses and poorer outcomes. Doroshow, who was not involved in the study, stressed the importance of paying attention to subtle symptoms, especially among younger people. Persistent fatigue, unexplained pain, or weight loss should not be overlooked. 'If a person feels something is wrong, it's always best to seek a medical opinion,' Doroshow said. 'We've seen young patients with cancer who were initially dismissed because of their age.' She also urged women and people of color to advocate for themselves, as their concerns are more likely to be underestimated. Still, Doroshow cautioned against overreacting to occasional discomfort. 'Not every abdominal pain is a cause for concern,' she said. 'It's the persistent or unusual symptoms that should prompt evaluation.'
New York Post
11-06-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Rare cancer diagnoses surge dramatically among millennials, Gen X
A rare type of cancer is growing among millennials and members of Generation X, new research shows. Diagnoses of appendix cancer have tripled in the US for people born between 1976 and 1984 — and it has quadrupled for those born between 1981 and 1989. Advertisement The study was published on Monday in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Researchers from the Vanderbilt University Medical Center analyzed data from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program to arrive at these findings. 'When you take these alarming rates that we are seeing for appendiceal cancer across generations, together with the fact that one in every three patients diagnosed with appendiceal cancer is diagnosed under the age of 50, these point to a timely need for everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms of appendix cancer,' said lead author Andreana Holowatyj, PhD, assistant professor of Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, in a press release from the university. Cancer of the appendix is rare, affecting only about one or two people per million each year in the US, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Even so, doctors emphasize the importance of seeking medical attention if symptoms emerge. Advertisement 3 Appendix cancer has been rising among members of Generation X and millennials. Chinnapong – 'Ruling out the possibility of an appendix cancer diagnosis, or diagnosing it early, is important for this cancer as we continue to learn what factors may be contributing to this worrisome trend,' Holowatyj said. Appendiceal cancer forms in the appendix, which is a small organ located in the lower right abdomen. There are two main types: epithelial appendiceal cancer, which involves the cells of the lining of the appendix, and neuroendocrine appendiceal cancer, which results from the growth of neuroendocrine (carcinoid) tumors of the appendix, the NCI states. Advertisement In early stages of the disease, most people do not notice symptoms. 3 The rates have tripled in the US among people born between 1976 and 1984 — while quadrupling for those born between 1981 and 1989. Peakstock – As the cancer progresses, common symptoms include pain, a bloated feeling, a mass in the abdomen, nausea and vomiting, and sudden feelings of fullness while eating, according to the above source. Common treatments for this type of cancer include surgery to remove the appendix and any other affected organs, as well as chemotherapy to kill any metastasized cancer cells. Advertisement Based on the study findings, the researchers are calling for increased awareness among both the public and the medical community. 'As incidence rates in younger generations are often indicative of future disease burden, these results support the need for histology-specific investigations of appendiceal adenocarcinoma, as well as increased education and awareness of appendiceal adenocarcinomas among healthcare providers and the public,' the study stated. 3 Annals of Internal Medicine published the study on Monday, as researchers from Vanderbilt University Medical Center analyzed data from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program. charnsitr – There are no standard screening guidelines or risk factors for appendix cancer, which means up to half of diagnoses occur after the disease has already spread, according to the researchers. Five-year survival rates for appendix cancer range from 10% to 63%. The new study received funding from the Appendix Cancer Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (ACPMP) Research Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Rare cancer diagnoses surge dramatically among millennials and Gen X
A rare type of cancer is growing among millennials and members of Generation X, new research shows. Diagnoses of appendix cancer have tripled in the U.S. for people born between 1976 and 1984 — and it has quadrupled for those born between 1981 and 1989. The study was published on Monday in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Common Menopause Medication Might Prevent Breast Cancer While Treating Hot Flashes Researchers from the Vanderbilt University Medical Center analyzed data from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program to arrive at these findings. "When you take these alarming rates that we are seeing for appendiceal cancer across generations, together with the fact that one in every three patients diagnosed with appendiceal cancer is diagnosed under the age of 50, these point to a timely need for everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms of appendix cancer," said lead author Andreana Holowatyj, PhD, assistant professor of Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, in a press release from the university. Read On The Fox News App Fda Approves First Ai Tool To Predict Breast Cancer Risk Cancer of the appendix is rare, affecting only about one or two people per million each year in the U.S., according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Even so, doctors emphasize the importance of seeking medical attention if symptoms emerge. "Ruling out the possibility of an appendix cancer diagnosis, or diagnosing it early, is important for this cancer as we continue to learn what factors may be contributing to this worrisome trend," Holowatyj said. Appendiceal cancer forms in the appendix, which is a small organ located in the lower right abdomen. There are two main types: epithelial appendiceal cancer, which involves the cells of the lining of the appendix, and neuroendocrine appendiceal cancer, which results from the growth of neuroendocrine (carcinoid) tumors of the appendix, the NCI states. In early stages of the disease, most people do not notice symptoms. As the cancer progresses, common symptoms include pain, a bloated feeling, a mass in the abdomen, nausea and vomiting, and sudden feelings of fullness while eating, according to the above source. Common treatments for this type of cancer include surgery to remove the appendix and any other affected organs, as well as chemotherapy to kill any metastasized cancer cells. Based on the study findings, the researchers are calling for increased awareness among both the public and the medical community. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter "As incidence rates in younger generations are often indicative of future disease burden, these results support the need for histology-specific investigations of appendiceal adenocarcinoma, as well as increased education and awareness of appendiceal adenocarcinomas among healthcare providers and the public," the study stated. There are no standard screening guidelines or risk factors for appendix cancer, which means up to half of diagnoses occur after the disease has already spread, according to the researchers. Five-year survival rates for appendix cancer range from 10% to 63%. For more Health articles, visit The new study received funding from the Appendix Cancer Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (ACPMP) Research Foundation and the National Institutes of article source: Rare cancer diagnoses surge dramatically among millennials and Gen X
