Appendix cancer diagnoses quadruple in younger generations, study shows
A concerning new study has revealed a significant increase in the diagnosis of appendix cancer among millennials and members of Generation X. Research conducted by Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that diagnoses of this rare type of cancer have tripled among individuals born between 1976 and 1984, and quadrupled among those born between 1981 and 1989.
The study, which was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, analyzed data from the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program. Researchers found that one in every three patients diagnosed with appendix cancer is under the age of 50, highlighting the importance of awareness of this disease among younger populations.
Appendix cancer is a rare form of cancer that affects only about one or two people per million each year in the U.S. Despite its rarity, doctors stress the importance of seeking medical attention if symptoms emerge. Symptoms of appendix cancer may include pain, bloating, a mass in the abdomen, nausea and vomiting, and sudden feelings of fullness while eating.
There are two main types of appendix cancer: epithelial appendiceal cancer, which involves the cells of the lining of the appendix, and neuroendocrine appendiceal cancer, which results from the growth of neuroendocrine tumors in the appendix. Early stages of the disease may not present noticeable symptoms, making early detection crucial for successful treatment.
Treatment for appendix cancer often involves surgery to remove the appendix and any affected organs, as well as chemotherapy to eradicate any metastasized cancer cells. Five-year survival rates for appendix cancer range from 10% to 63%, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and intervention.
The researchers behind the study are urging increased awareness among both the public and the medical community. With no standard screening guidelines or known risk factors for appendix cancer, up to half of diagnoses occur after the disease has already spread. The study calls for histology-specific investigations of appendiceal adenocarcinoma, as well as enhanced education and awareness efforts among healthcare providers and the general public.
The study was supported by funding from the Appendix Cancer Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (ACPMP) Research Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. For more health news and information, visit www.foxnews.com/health.
Melissa Rudy is a senior health editor and member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. For story tips, contact melissa.rudy@fox.com.
