Appendix Cancer on the Rise in Gen X and Older Millennials

Appendix Cancer: Appendix cancer, also known as appendiceal cancer, is often overlooked and usually discovered incidentally. For a long time, it was considered extremely rare, a medical rarity in textbooks. However, recent research suggests it is silently rising in younger populations. New research indicates that the rate of appendix cancer is increasing among younger people, including many under 50. Those born after 1970, particularly Gen X and older Millennials, are seeing rates three to four times higher than those born in the 1940s.

This is bringing the issue to the attention of doctors, researchers, and patients. Because its symptoms are vague and early detection is limited, many cases are diagnosed late. It is being called a forgotten cancer, yet it is slowly becoming more common.

So what is causing this particular cancer's rise? Can we detect it early? And what should you know if you or a loved one experiences its symptoms?

What is Appendix Cancer?

Appendix cancer, or appendiceal cancer, occurs when abnormal cells develop in the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine.

It has several types: adenocarcinoma (which may include mucinous subtypes), neuroendocrine tumours (NETs), goblet cell cancer, and more aggressive types. Some produce mucus that can spread to the lining of the abdomen (a condition called pseudomyxoma peritonei). Often, the cancer is only discovered when a person undergoes surgery for appendicitis and the removed tissue is examined.

Rise in Appendix Cancer

Researchers are still investigating the reasons for this cancer's increase, but some potential factors include:

Lifestyle: Factors such as obesity, high consumption of processed foods, and low physical activity may increase the risk of this cancer.

Environmental factors: Additives in food, changes in the gut microbiome, and increased use of antibiotic medications could also be contributing factors.

Improved detection: Better technology and increased awareness are now detecting tumours that previously went unnoticed. However, this is not the sole reason.

Birth cohort effect: Some research suggests a higher risk among those born in the 1970s and 1980s. This implies that lifestyle, diet, or environmental factors specific to a particular era may be a contributing cause.

Symptoms of Appendix Cancer

Symptoms of appendix cancer often mimic common stomach ailments, such as:

– Pain in the lower right abdomen

– Swelling or bloating

– Vomiting or loss of appetite

– Sudden weight loss

These symptoms often lead people to misinterpret it as appendicitis or another stomach problem. Therefore, it is often only discovered after an appendectomy (Appendix removal).

Appendix Cancer Treatment

Treatment for appendix cancer depends on several factors, such as the type of cancer, how far it has spread, and whether it has metastasized to other parts of the body.

Treatment: If the cancer is in its early stages, surgical removal of the appendix may be sufficient. If the cancer has spread, more aggressive therapies such as cytoreductive surgery along with HIPEC are used.