Contrary to overall cancer trends, there's been an increase in certain cancer diagnoses in people under 50. From 2010 through 2019, the incidence of 14 cancer types increased among people in this demographic. The big question is, why? Does it have to do with lifestyle choices? Are there environmental factors at play? What can be done to mitigate risk? Welcome to "Harvard Thinking," a podcast where the life of the mind meets everyday life.
The average age of folks in the U.S. diagnosed with colorectal cancer has dropped in the past 15 years to 67 from 72. Nearly one in nine new colon cancer cases and one in five new rectal cancer cases occur in people under age 50.
The study highlighted that combining structured exercise with chemotherapy can improve overall health outcomes in colon cancer recovery, showing that exercise should complement medical treatments.
The ARCAD database is a wonderful example of collaborative efforts around the world to create large patient-derived datasets that enable expanded research opportunities beyond the initial question addressed in the original design of a clinical trial.