A troubling rise in a rare form of cancer has been detected among younger Americans, according to a new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Researchers from Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that cases of appendiceal cancer — a rare cancer affecting the appendix — have tripled among individuals born between 1976 and 1984. For those born between 1981 and 1989, rates have quadrupled.
“This rise is alarming,” said lead author Dr. Andreana Holowatyj, assistant professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. “One in every three patients diagnosed with appendix cancer is under the age of 50. That’s a clear signal that both the public and the medical community need to be aware of the symptoms and risks.”
The study analyzed data from the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program — one of the most authoritative cancer registries in the U.S.
Though still rare — affecting only one to two people per million annually — appendix cancer’s growing incidence in younger generations is cause for concern, researchers said. The condition is often diagnosed late, as it typically presents few or no symptoms in its early stages.
Appendiceal cancer forms in the appendix, a small organ located in the lower right abdomen. According to the National Cancer Institute, there are two primary types:
- Epithelial appendiceal cancer, which originates in the lining of the appendix
- Neuroendocrine appendiceal cancer, which results from carcinoid tumors that develop from hormone-producing cells
As the cancer progresses, patients may experience abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, a noticeable mass, or a feeling of fullness after eating small amounts. Because these symptoms can resemble other, less serious conditions, diagnosis is often delayed.
There are currently no standard screening procedures or clearly defined risk factors for appendix cancer. As a result, nearly half of cases are diagnosed after the disease has already metastasized.
The five-year survival rate for appendix cancer varies widely, ranging from 10% to 63%, depending on the type and stage at diagnosis.
Treatment options typically include surgical removal of the appendix and any nearby affected tissues, followed by chemotherapy in cases where the cancer has spread.
Given the uptick in cases among younger age groups, researchers are calling for increased awareness and investigation.
“As incidence rates in younger generations are often indicative of future disease burden, these results support the need for histology-specific studies and greater education surrounding appendiceal adenocarcinoma,” the study stated.
With input from Fox News
