Young people at greater risk of bowel cancer according to Gold Coast study

A new study shows Gold Coasters are getting cancer younger, and there may be a very simple reason why.

A spike in bowel cancer detections in younger people on the Gold Coast could be because of a diet including fatty foods and a cheeky beers after work, a new study has found.

The research by Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH) shows a rise in the number of young people contracting the cancer.

While bowel cancer has traditionally been a problem in later life, the study found more than 500 GCUH patients under the age of 50 had cancer-like symptoms, sparking calls to lower the age of screening to 40 in Australia.

Researchers Dr Michael Von Papen and Dr Jason Kim at Gold Coast University Hospital. Picture: Glenn Hampson

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Researcher Dr Jason Kim said it was likely a change in eating habits was impacting the number of cases found on the Coast.

“Factors like high levels of red meat consumption, processed meats consumption, increased alcohol intake, smoking, and most importantly obesity appear to be risks,” he said.

Colorectal cancer, more commonly known as bowel cancer, is the second most common cancer in Australia, after breast cancer.

Around one in every 13 Australians will develop the disease in their lifetime.

But Dr Kim said a diagnosis wasn’t a death sentence, with 90 per cent of cases treatable if caught early.

Bowel cancer is treatable in 90 per cent of cases, but people need to get checked. Picture: Thinkstock

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However it appears people may be putting themselves at risk because they are too embarrassed to get tested.

“Unfortunately due to the nature of the procedure, colonoscopies can come with a

stigma that younger patients are conscious of, and may avoid seeing a doctor for

further advice,” Dr Kim said.

He urged anyone with possible symptoms including rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss or unexplained anaemia to get checked.