By Sola Ogundipe

New research has identified two critical periods in life when exposure to stressors can significantly increase the risk of developing cancer: the perinatal period (in the womb) and adolescence to the early twenties. As concerns mount over rising cancer rates among young people, experts are also pointing to the potential link with junk food and other unhealthy diets.

An Australian cancer specialist highlighted the critical periods in life when individuals are most susceptible to developing the disease. Associate Professor Savio Barreto emphasised the importance of avoiding “stressors” like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity to reduce cancer risk. He noted that the obesity epidemic in Australia has contributed to the increased prevalence of cancer.

A cancer surgeon and researcher who works at Flinders University and Flinders Medical Centre in SOuth Australia, Barreto’s research identified two key stages of life when these stressors are most likely to impact the body and lead to cancer. By adopting a healthy lifestyle and avoiding these factors, individuals can significantly lower their risk of developing the disease.

“Everybody knows obesity is associated with the risk of cancer. If someone is overweight, diet, exercise, and lifestyle modifications are key. Whatever advice I give it goes back to the basics of leading a healthy life, being sensible, and avoiding these things.”

While a person cannot control their mother’s exposure to harmful factors like malnutrition, drugs, or alcohol during pregnancy, they can make healthier choices as a teenager and young adult. However, the allure of a party lifestyle can often overshadow health concerns.

 Barreto emphasized the importance of making informed decisions during these vulnerable periods to reduce the risk of cancer. The number of young Australians diagnosed with cancer has risen over the past decade, highlighting the urgent need for preventive measures.

According to Anita Dessaix, the  Cancer Council Public Health Committee Chair, the figures show “a statistically significant increase in cancer rates in Australians aged under 40”.

She said that was most notable in cancers associated with increased body mass, including cancers of the bowel, kidney, uterus, gallbladder, and pancreas.

“While there’s still a lot of research to be done in how weight loss can reduce cancer risk, it’s clear that this needs to be a clear focus for public health.”

Dessaix also noted breast cancer rates in younger women had also increased. She said that the reasons are not fully understood and could include advances in diagnostic technology picking up cancers earlier than in previous years. 

One key to avoiding cancer could be cutting out junk and overly processed food.

Early studies have shown that UPFs which are foods that have been through several rounds of processing and have had artificial ingredients added to them can alter the gut microbiome, which is the collection of healthy bacteria in the human body.

The foods have also been shown to irritate the intestinal walls and cause chronic inflammation. All of these are believed to increase the risk of cancer.