A Crisis Approaching Generation Z!? The Risk of Colon Cancer is Double That of the Boomer Generation

1. What is happening in the intestines of those around 20 years old

The common belief that "colon cancer is a disease of middle-aged and older adults" is beginning to crumble. A research team from Harvard Medical School and others reported that young people born in 1990 are twice as likely to have colon cancer and four times as likely to have rectal cancer at the same age compared to Boomers born in 1950.DIE WELT
Furthermore, an explosive increase of **+333% at ages 15–19 and +185% at ages 20–24** has been confirmed from the CDC "WONDER" database.DIE WELT

2. Overall decrease, but a rise among young people: a "twist"

While the incidence rate among the entire U.S. population from 1985 to 2018 has halved, the rate among younger people is rising.DIE WELT
The trend is the same in Germany, with the number of treatments for those aged 20–29 increasing by about 45% over the past 20 years.DIE WELT
Statistics from Japan cannot be overlooked either. Data from Osaka Prefecture reports that early-onset colorectal cancer among those aged 20–49 has doubled compared to the 1990s.日刊ゲンダイDIGITAL

3. The "perfect storm" of lifestyle habits

Researchers suspect the following:

• processed meat, high-fat, high-sugar diets

• lack of exercise and obesity

• alcohol and smoking

• changes in gut microbiota (microbiome)

• environmental chemicals like microplastics
  as complex factors.focus.de
  In particular, sedentary lifestyle and ultra-processed foods are singled out as "two major high risks." A Harvard University review analyzed that overall cancer in those under 49 has increased by about 80% over 30 years, with gastrointestinal cancers at the center.PRESIDENT Online

4. From 45 to 40? The global movement to reset screening ages

In the U.S., in 2021, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) moved the initial colonoscopy screening from 50 to 45 years old. A proposal for 40 years is also under discussion.Initial colonoscopy from 50 to 45.focus.de
In Japan, the starting age for public screenings remains at 40 and above (fecal occult blood) and 50 and above (endoscopy), but among specialists, there is a growing voice that "even without a family history, from the late 30s."

5. The "cause debate" erupting on social media

On X (formerly Twitter), posts such as "Gen Z's diet is too high in 'liquid calories'" and "Reevaluate the ingredients of energy drinks" are appearing. On Reddit's r/GenZ, a thread claiming "microplastics and VAPE (e-cigarettes) are the main culprits" has garnered about 2,000 upvotes.Reddit
On the other hand, on medical forums, there are calm rebuttals stating, "The increase in incidence is also due to advancements in detection technology. It should be judged by mortality rates."Reddit
While the debate is complex, there is consensus that "there is a lack of screening awareness for young people."

6. "Four self-defense rules" recommended by specialists

1. Improve your diet

   • Limit red and processed meat to 500g per week, consume at least 25g of dietary fiber per day

2. Engage in at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise daily to shorten intestinal transit time

3. Weight management: Keep BMI below 25

4. Screening: If you experience blood in stool or abdominal pain, do not hesitate to undergo endoscopy even in your early 40s

"If detected early, the 5-year survival rate is over 90%. It's important for young people to have the 'courage not to overlook,'" specialists say.日刊ゲンダイDIGITAL

7. The roles of companies, government, and media

• Food industry: Clearly label additives in ultra-processed foods

• School education: Incorporate "gastrointestinal health" into high school curricula

• Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and local governments: Expand distribution of free fecal occult blood test kits to those in their 30s

• Media/SNS: Include screening routes along with shocking statistics