A cancer epidemic
The team recognized that this increased incidence of certain types of cancer is, in part, due to early detection through cancer screening programs. But the increase in the incidence of 14 types of cancer cannot be explained solely by improved screening.
The team found that the exposome, which encompasses diet, lifestyle, or environmental exposures, has changed dramatically over the past few decades. Thus, possible risk factors for early cancer, including alcohol consumption, sleep deprivation, smoking, obesity, and highly processed diets, have evolved significantly. This undoubtedly impacts the risk of cancer.
The impact of food
“Of the 14 types of rising cancers we studied, eight were related to the digestive system. The food we eat feeds the microorganisms in our gut,” the scientists explain. “Diet directly affects the composition of the microbiota and these changes can influence disease risk. »
How air pollution causes lung cancer