Appendix Cancer Increasing in Millennials and Gen Z: Know the Signs
Appendix Cancer Increasing in Millennials and Gen Z: Know the Signs
Cancer is not just a disease of older people anymore. Many young and healthy people are now getting cancer, even those under the age of 40. Some common cancers like breast, colon, stomach, and pancreatic are being seen more in younger adults. A new study from the Annals of Internal Medicine shows that appendix cancer, though rare, is growing fast, especially in people born after the 1980s.
What Is Appendix Cancer?
Appendix cancer happens when the cells in the appendix start to grow in an unusual way. The appendix is a small tube inside the body, near where the small and large intestines meet. Doctors are still not sure what the appendix does, but some believe it may help the body fight sickness.
There are two main types of appendix cancer. One is called adenocarcinoma, and the other is a neuroendocrine tumour. Both types can grow and spread if not found early.
How It Shows Up in the Body
In many people, appendix cancer does not show clear signs at first. Some may feel pain in the belly, feel full after eating only a little, or have nausea or bloating. Some may notice a change in how they go to the toilet. Sometimes, the belly may swell or feel hard. These signs may not appear until the cancer has grown. In some rare cases, the cancer causes jelly-like fluid to build up in the belly. This can make the belly bigger or feel tight.
Who Is at Risk?
Doctors say that appendix cancer is more likely in people between 40 and 60 years old, but it can happen at any age. Women are more likely to get a certain type of this cancer. People who smoke also have a higher chance of getting appendix cancer. Some health problems, like stomach issues or other long-term conditions, may raise the risk too. If someone in your family had this kind of cancer, your chances may also be higher.
What Might Be Causing the Rise?
Experts believe the rise in cancer in younger people is not caused by one thing alone. It may be due to changes in body weight, food habits, or chemicals in the environment. Scientists are still trying to understand how these things affect the body and lead to cancer.
Appendix cancer is still rare, but it is important to know that it is growing in younger people. Learning more about it can help people notice early signs and get treatment faster.
