Cancer Rates Are Skyrocketing — Here Are 7 Things You Can Do To Reduce Your Risk

Forbes - Jan 28th, 2025
Open on Forbes

The rising incidence of cancer among individuals under 50 is a growing concern, with colon cancer notably becoming more prevalent in this age group. Cancer.org reports that from 1995 to 2020, people under 50 are the only age group experiencing an increase in cancer incidence rates. This trend is attributed to lifestyle changes such as increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, sedentary lifestyles, and higher rates of obesity. Dr. Karen Basen-Engquist from MD Anderson Cancer Center highlights the role of excessive visceral fat in escalating cancer risks due to its impact on hormone management and cellular processes. Additionally, tobacco and excessive alcohol use are major contributors to cancer, with tobacco alone causing nearly 1 in 4 cancer-related deaths globally.

While prevention remains the most effective strategy against cancer, it is a complex, multifaceted disease influenced by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Increased awareness and funding for cancer prevention and treatment research are promising, yet individuals are encouraged to adopt healthier lifestyles. The Mayo Clinic suggests ways to mitigate cancer risks, emphasizing that some factors like genetics and spontaneous health issues might still lead to cancer. Despite advancements in therapies and clinical trials, prevention through lifestyle choices remains crucial.

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RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of cancer incidence trends and potential risk factors, focusing on the rising rates among younger populations. It effectively communicates the complexity of cancer causation, emphasizing lifestyle factors while acknowledging genetic and environmental influences. The use of expert opinions adds credibility, though the lack of direct citations and detailed data limits the article's transparency and source quality. The piece is timely and relevant, addressing public interest by highlighting preventive measures. However, it could benefit from a more balanced perspective by incorporating a wider range of viewpoints and more precise data. Overall, the article is informative and clear, with potential to engage readers interested in health and wellness, though its impact could be enhanced with more actionable insights and interactive elements.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story presents several factual claims that align with existing scientific literature and reports from credible organizations. For instance, the claim about rising cancer incidence rates among individuals under 50 is supported by data from Cancer.org. The discussion about colon cancer's prevalence among young adults is consistent with recent research findings. However, the story could benefit from more precise data points, such as the exact percentage of cancer cases linked to processed foods and sedentary lifestyles, which are mentioned but not quantified. Overall, the story is largely accurate but would be strengthened by more detailed statistical support.

7
Balance

The article provides a balanced view by discussing both lifestyle factors and genetic predispositions as contributors to cancer risk. It highlights the complexity of cancer causation, acknowledging that prevention is multifaceted and not solely dependent on lifestyle changes. However, the emphasis on lifestyle factors, such as diet and sedentary behavior, might overshadow other significant factors like environmental exposures and genetic predispositions. Including more perspectives on these aspects could enhance the balance of the article.

8
Clarity

The language used in the article is clear and accessible, making complex topics like cancer risk factors understandable to a general audience. The structure follows a logical flow, starting with general claims about cancer incidence and narrowing down to specific factors like lifestyle and body weight. The tone is neutral and informative, which aids comprehension. However, the inclusion of unrelated updates at the end of the article disrupts the flow and could confuse readers.

6
Source quality

The story references credible sources, such as Cancer.org and expert opinions from professionals like Dr. Karen Basen-Engquist. However, it lacks direct citations or links to specific studies or reports, which would improve the reliability of the information presented. The inclusion of direct quotes from experts adds authority, but the absence of a broader range of sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, limits the depth of the article's source quality.

5
Transparency

The article provides a general overview of the factors contributing to cancer risk but lacks transparency in terms of citing specific studies or data sources. The methodology behind the presented claims is not detailed, and the reader is left to assume the credibility of the information based on the organizations and experts mentioned. More explicit references to the studies and data underpinning the claims would enhance transparency.

Sources

  1. https://www.mysocietysource.org/Pages/newsdetails.aspx?ItemID=2790
  2. https://www.instagram.com/forbesafrica/p/DE63O-mxrhe/?locale=de&hl=en
  3. https://www.instagram.com/forbesafrica/p/DE63O-mxrhe/?locale=es_US%3FICID%3DBLOG_MBF_ES&hl=it