Why cancer rates are rising for Generation X and Millennials | #27
Plus: keto and heart disease, environmental toxins, the sugar substitute that could increase blood clots, and more.
Greetings!
As the excitement of the Paris Olympics fades, some athletes reportedly stuck around in Paris to take advantage of free medical care, courtesy of the host country. It's a stark reminder of the differences in healthcare systems worldwide, particularly when compared to the U.S. While many may mention the special treatment athletes receive in other countries, the medical care listed is available to all citizens of France as part of their universal medical coverage.
Meanwhile, this month at Dignity Integrative, we've published two new blog posts:
One from our team on boosting energy levels through dietary changes, a much-requested topic from our patients.
And another on simple (but not easy) lifestyle adjustments that could reduce your risk of chronic disease by a whopping 70%.
Now, let's dive into this month's recommendations:
#1: Why cancer rates are rising for Generation X and Millennials
Cancer rates are on the rise among younger people, and new research aims to understand why. While the exact cause isn't fully known, one likely factor is the increasing rates of obesity in each new generation.
The study published in The Lancet looked at 34 different types of cancer. For eight of these cancers, researchers found that rates have been steadily increasing in people born since about 1920. The increase is particularly striking for some cancers:
Pancreatic cancer
Kidney cancer
Small intestinal cancer
Liver cancer (in women)
For these specific cancers, people born in 1990 are two to three times more likely to develop the disease compared to those born in 1955. This trend affects both men and women, except for liver cancer, where the increase was only observed in women.
#2: Ketogenic diet may increase heart disease risk
A recent study comparing the ketogenic diet to a low-sugar diet has revealed some concerning findings. The research, which involved 53 healthy adults over a 12-week period, found that the ketogenic diet may increase the risk of heart disease.
Key points:
The ketogenic diet raised levels of LDL (often called "bad" cholesterol) and ApoB in the blood.
Higher levels of these substances can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart problems.
The study also found that the ketogenic diet changed the balance of bacteria in the gut.
Specifically, it decreased the amount of Bifidobacteria, which are beneficial bacteria often found in probiotic supplements.
This research highlights the important connection between gut health and overall metabolic health. It's another reason why I often evaluate the microbiome of new patients as part of our health assessment.
#3: The links between environmental toxins, heart disease, and death
A new study highlights growing concern about environmental toxins and their role in chronic diseases. Researchers analyzed data from the MESA database, which included urinary metal measurements from 6,599 participants.
The study looked at levels of cadmium, tungsten, uranium, cobalt, copper, and zinc in participants' urine. Even after accounting for well-known risk factors like smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes, the results were striking. People with higher levels of these metals in their urine faced a 29 percent higher risk of cardiovascular disease and a 66 percent higher risk of death from any cause.
Importantly, each metal on its own was also linked to increased health risks. This suggests that exposure to even a single type of metal could potentially harm our health.
These findings serve as a reminder to think more broadly about the causes of chronic diseases and especially cardiovascular disease.
#4: Half of Americans Unaware of Their High Blood Pressure
The headline says it all: Uncontrolled hypertension—the old 'silent killer' is alive and well.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, remains a major risk factor for serious health issues like strokes and heart attacks. Yet, despite decades of medical advancements, personal awareness of this condition has barely improved. Only about half of those with high blood pressure are aware they have it. This lack of awareness is particularly concerning given that up to 45% of Americans are at risk for hypertension, which is defined as a blood pressure reading over 130/80.
This level of awareness hasn't changed significantly in the past 50 years.
It is critical every person have their blood pressure checked regularly to prevent serious complications.
#5: Sugar Substitute May Increase Blood Clot Risk
Evidence is mounting that replacement sweeteners, specifically erythritol, may not be safer than regular sugar.
Erythritol is a sweetener that's about 70% as sweet as sugar. It's made by fermenting corn and is popular in many "sugar-free" and "low-calorie" products. Unlike sugar, erythritol isn't easily broken down by the body. Instead, it enters the bloodstream and leaves the body mostly through urine.
New research suggests that erythritol might increase the risk of blood clots by enhancing platelet activity. Platelets are tiny blood cells that help your body form clots to stop bleeding. While this is a normal and necessary function, excessive clotting can be dangerous and potentially lead to heart attacks or strokes.
#6: Common Pesticide Threatens Unborn Babies, EPA Takes Action
Environmental toxins in our food pose significant health risks, with pesticides being a major concern. The EPA has recently focused on Dacthal (DCPA), a widely used pesticide on crops, vegetables, and even artificial turf. This action stems from alarming findings about its impact on unborn babies.
Pregnant women exposed to DCPA, often unknowingly, may experience changes in their fetal thyroid hormone levels. These changes can lead to serious consequences for the baby, including:
Low birth weight
Impaired brain development
Decreased IQ
Reduced motor skills
Some of these effects may be irreversible. The EPA's action highlights the urgent need to reassess the use of such chemicals in our food production, prioritizing the health of future generations.
#7: New Blood Test for Colon Cancer Screening
The first of a new type of blood test, using something called cell free DNA, has been approved by the FDA for screening of colon cancer and is now covered by Medicare. The test is called Shield made by Guardant Health.
Current guidelines recommend colon cancer screenings starting at age 45. However, more than one-third of eligible Americans – over 50 million people – skip these crucial screenings. Many avoid traditional methods like colonoscopies or stool-based tests, perceiving them as invasive, unpleasant, or inconvenient.
We know that early detection often leads to a cure, while diagnosing it at a later stage significantly decreases long-term survival.