Drinking sugar-sweetened beverages during adolescence increases the risk of developing bowel cancer in females under age 50 according to research published in the journal Gut, supporting public health calls for a reduction in sugar consumption.
Compared with women who drank less than one 226 gram serving of sugar-sweetened beverages per week, those who drank two or more servings per day had just over twice the risk of developing young-onset bowel cancer.
Drinking sugar-sweetened beverages during adolescence increases the risk of developing bowel cancer in females under age 50 according to research published in the journal Gut.
Compared with women who drank less than one 226 gram serving of sugar-sweetened beverages per week, those who drank two or more servings per day had just over twice the risk of developing young-onset bowel cancer.
The researchers calculated a 16% increase in risk for each 226 gram serving per day.
And from ages 13 to 18, an important time for growth and development, each daily serving was linked to a 32% increased risk of eventually developing bowel cancer before age 50.
Like young-onset bowel cancer rates, the increase in consumption of such drinks has increased over the past 20 years, with the highest consumption level found among adolescents and young adults ages 20 to 34.
"In past work, we have shown that poor diet quality was associated with increased risk of young-onset bowel cancer precursors, but we have not previously examined specific nutrients or foods," said senior author Yin Cao, ScD, an associate professor of surgery and of medicine in the Division of Public Health Sciences at Washington University.
"This study, combined with our past work linking obesity and metabolic conditions to a higher risk of young-onset bowel cancer, suggests that metabolic problems, such as insulin resistance, may play an important role in the development of this cancer in younger adults," said Cao.
In recognition of increasing rates of young-onset bowel cancer, the American Cancer Society, the American College of Gastroenterology and the United States Preventative Services Task Force have lowered their recommended screening age to 45, down from the previously recommended age 50 for people at average risk.
Those with additional risk factors, such as a family history of the disease, should start even earlier, according to the guidelines.
Bowel Cancer Australia continues to calls for expansaion of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program eligible ages in line with these recommendations and encourages Australians to participate in screening appropriate to their personal level of risk.
GPs can offer a faecal immunochemical test every 2 years to people aged 45-49 who request it, after being fully informed of the benefits (and any possible harms) of testing.
If you are ineligible for the taxpayer-funded National Bowel Cancer Screening Program but would like to participate in bowel screening, speak with your GP or pharmacist about BowelScreen Australia. You can also order a screening test online or by calling 1800 555 494.
