What are behavioural risk factors in younger adult cancer?

Cancer rates are rising in younger adults, with obesity providing the most likely explanation for the increased risk. That was the conclusion of new analysis reported in the British Medical Journal last week. 

Research carried out by the Institute of Cancer Research and Imperial College London identified eleven types of cancer that are becoming more common inyounger adults in their 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s.  

The research considers the health impact of what’s referred to as behavioural risk factors, but what are they? 

Behavioural risk factors are defined as the rising trends in smoking, alcohol, diet, body mass index (BMI) and physical inactivity. The analysis defines these risk factors as ‘population attributable’. 

Researchers concluded that these behavioural risk factors account for a substantial share of what’s called ‘cancer burden’ but, with the exception of BMI, none of the other factors were significant enough to explain the rising cancer incidence rates seen in younger adults. 

Whilst the study identified obesity (defined as BMI) as the most significant risk factor it remains unclear what other factors might be contributing to rising cancer rates in younger adults.  

The research failed to take a deeper dive into any contributory factors such as dietary intake of UPFs, or exposure to chemicals found in everyday products such as toiletries, cosmetics, and household items such as cleaning products and scented candles. These links remain unclear, but there is a growing body of evidence to support the possible health links. 

Whilst the research is ongoing, for anyone who has concerns, it’s possible to find out what your chemical burden might be with the new Everyday Chemicals Test. The test screens 27 different chemicals from a single urine sample, including phthalates, parabens, pesticides, VOCs, and other chemicals. Coming soon. 

The information on our website should not be used as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter, you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. Lastinghealth.com is not responsible for the content of external websites. The inclusion of a link to a third-party website should not be understood as an endorsement.