Face of the Day

Bowel cancer rates are climbing sharply among younger New Zealanders, in what experts describe as one of the most alarming shifts in cancer worldwide.

Dr Frank Frizelle, one of the country’s leading colorectal surgeons, says the speed of change is unprecedented.

“Among those under 50, we are seeing a dramatic rise in bowel cancer. It’s increasing at about 25 per cent per decade. Or if you’re Māori, it’s around 35 per cent per decade. Which, as far as epidemiology changes of cancer is concerned, is like a Ferrari – it’s speeding away.”

The surge, explored in the latest episode of Paddy Gower Has Issues, is not explained by traditional risk factors. Red meat consumption, smoking and alcohol use have all declined, yet more people in their 30s and 40s are developing the disease.

“Genes haven’t changed – they are the same as they were. This is what we call a cohort effect, a generational shift, which implies an environmental impact. Something in the environment that we’re not seeing as bad is probably triggering this,” Frizelle explained.

Stuff