Located in the intestine, The appendix It is a finger -shaped bag that stands out and can sometimes infect, causing appendicitis, which often requires emergency surgery. However, in the appendix too Cancer can be developeda disease that in recent decades has begun to diagnose with higher frequency between people under 40.
This change in trend has embarrassed To many experts, who try to look for an answer, according to Justin StebbingProfessor of Biomedical Sciences at the Anglia Ruskin University (United Kingdom). As indicated in an article published in The Conversationa new study has shown that the number of appendix cancer cases has increased dramatically among people born after the 1970s. “The incidence It has tripled or even quadrupled In younger generations compared to those born in the 1940s, “he says.
It is unusual cancer whose rapid increase “is surprising”, according to Stebbing. “Approximately one in three cases now presented in adults under 50 yearsa much greater proportion than that observed in other types of gastrointestinal cancer, “he adds.
Although scientific evidence on the causes of the increase in this cancer is still in its early stages, researchers suspect that the change in lifestyle during the last decades could be related. “Diets have turned towards a Greater consumption of processed foods, sugary drinks and red or processed meats, all related to a greater risk of cancer in other parts of the intestine, “says this expert.
To this we must add the descent in physical activity and new environmental factorssuch as the “industrialization of food production, the widespread use of plastics and chemicals,” has listed.
Difficult to detect
However, what makes appendix cancer dangerous is the difficulty exists to detect it: “Unlike colon cancer, which can sometimes be detected early by screening colones, appendix cancer It usually goes unnoticed“, apts stebbing.
As described, “the symptoms, if they appear, are vague and easy to ignore. People may experience mild abdominal pain, abdominal distension or changes in intestinal habits, which are common discomfort in many benign conditions. “
For this reason, he continues, “most cases They are only detected after surgery For suspicion of appendicitis, when it is often too late for an early intervention. “
To this is added that there is also no routine screening test for appendix cancer. “The disease is simply too rare to justify a generalized screeningand the appendix can be difficult to visualize with standard or endoscopy images, “says Stebbing.
Therefore, he warns that “if someone experiences persistent or unusual abdominal symptomsespecially if it is under 50 years, it is important Do not ignore them. Early research and timely treatment can make a significant difference in the results. “
