The Guardian view on cancers in under-50s: the risks of obesity must be confronted
More research into the troubling rise in early onset cancers is needed. But we already know that food is among the culprits
TL;DR
- Cancer incidence is rising in people under 50, with bowel cancer showing a troubling increase in England, the Netherlands, and the US.
- While earlier detection policies are in place, they are not the primary reason for the rise in cases.
- Obesity and poor diet are strongly linked to increased cancer risk, as well as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
- Success in reducing lung cancer through anti-smoking campaigns provides a model for tackling other public health issues.
- Efforts to curb obesity have been less impactful, with political action often weakened by industry opposition.
- There is a need for holistic public spending and bold government action to address the causes of obesity, similar to the approach taken against the tobacco industry.