Alarming reason little-known form of cancer is surging in cases with people under-30
There is a form of cancer that is rising rapidly among those under 30 for a particular reason, experts have said.
The health condition is rising in younger people, as well as bowel, breast and lung cancer, with Cancer Research UK revealing an 84 percent increase in the condition in Brits aged 24 to 49 since the 1990s.
It isn't exclusive to the age group, however, as it affects the whole population, but it looks like this age group has seen the largest increase.
And health experts have revealed that one factor in particular is to blame for this as it is a gastrointestinal issue.
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It's all to do with subtle changes to bacteria in your gut, which is affected by the factor in question.
Cancer risk increases as you get older, with it becoming much higher once you pass 50, according to Cancer Research UK, but it looks like there is a concerning increase in early onset cancers, with more people being diagnosed under 50.
The type of cancer that is increasing specifically for young people for is gallbladder cancer and though little known, it's worth noting what the main causes behind it might be.
Where is the gallbladder?
The gallbladder is an organ the size of an apple located near the liver, known for storing bile, which is a substance that helps our body break down fats that we ingest, according to the National Health Institute (NIH).
Though gallbladder cancer is rare, with 1,000 cases in the UK annually, it's on the rise among younger people, as more than twice as many young adults get the disease than 30-or-so years ago, Cancer Research UK says.
How many people are getting gallbladder cancer?
There are still only 35 cases among those aged 25 to 49 each year, though it is worrying that those in their 20s are becoming more prone to contracting the disease.
Professor Karol Sikora, an oncologist with 40 years' experience, spoke to MailOnline and said that it's all down to lifestyle as the increase began in the 90s.
What's the cause behind the increase?
Professor Sikora, a former chief of the World Health Organization's cancer programme, said that the age of patients have continued to get 'lower and lower'.
He revealed the factor behind the increase in gallbladder cancer in young people - a modern diet.
The ultra-processed foods that are available to us are ruining our guts, as he explained that it's also due to alcohol, pollution and junk food, which effects our microbiome in our gallbladder.
He explained: "It's just impossible to measure...it's a complex series of things that can affect it."
The professor explained that it was interesting to see the trend in the generation that aim to drink less and eat healthier, with the oncologist adding that eating fruit and vegetables while exercising regularly can help to avoid getting cancer.
What are the symptoms of gallbladder cancer?
Some symptoms can include jaundice, which is when the skin and eyes turn yellow, itchy skin, and obvious changes in the colour of your poo or urine.
Data shows that only a sixth of gallbladder cancer patients live 10 years following their diagnosis.
Joshua Nair