UK's top cancer doctors share two foods that could be driving disease as cases in under 50s rise

As the number of people under 50 getting cancer is on the rise, one expert has come out to share why that might be.

Now, anyone can get cancer and it’s just the way things are, but there’s actually an indicator of whether you’re creating the perfect environment inside of your body to host cancerous cells.

According to a 2023 analysis, over the past three decades, the number of young people who are being diagnosed with cancer has increased by 25 percent in the UK, and 80 percent globally.

Although many professionals aren’t sure why, cancer expert Professor Charles Swanton thinks it’s all to do with our diets.

The oncologist and Chief Clinician at Cancer Research UK believes that what we eat is a clear indicator of the 'disturbing' cancer uptick.

Cancer in the under 50 group has risen by 80 percent worldwide (Getty Stock Image)

Speaking at the American Society of Clinical Oncology last year, he explained that there have been studies conducted which show that some people with early-onset bowel cancer may have been 'initiated' by bacteria in the gut.

This bacterium is commonly found in the guts of those who eat a low fibre and high sugar diet.

He said: "What we are seeing in some studies is some tumours from patients with early-onset colorectal cancer harbour mutations that might be initiated by these microbial species.”

The mutations may impact your ability to ward off cancer.

Professor Swanton also stated at the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Cancer Conference in 2015 that eating red or processed meats could give you a ‘much higher’ chance of developing bowel cancer.

These foods are most commonly ham or bacon.

Matthew Lambert, a nutritionist and health information and promotion manager at World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), told the Mail Online: “We advise that people eat less overly processed, high in saturated fat, sugar and salt food.

Consistently eating red or processed meats - like bacon and ham - could give you a ‘much higher’ chance of developing bowel cancer (Getty Stock Image)

"This includes food like cakes, biscuits, pastries, crisps, sugar-sweetened drinks, and fast food like pizza and burgers.

“These types of food have no fibre and contain virtually no essential nutrients, they should only be eaten occasionally and in small amounts.”

Even though cancers are becoming more prevalent in people under 50, round 90 percent of all cancers are still prone to developing in those over 50.

According to Cancer Research UK, 50 percent of all cancers affect the over-75 age group.

Dr Nicholas DeVito blamed the rise of junk food diets for why the under 50s are being diagnosed with cancer now more than ever before - particularly in the US - and even wants to ban some foods.

He wrote for STAT News: “The desire to protect Americans from substances that cause cancer and other diseases should transcend party affiliation and political motivation to overcome industrial lobbying efforts."

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.