Doctor Claims Every New Cancer Patient Is Under 45 — And Points to One Alarming Cause

Cancer doesn’t have a single cause; rather, it develops from the interplay of multiple factors.[1] Certain elements, like obesity and smoking, are known to raise the risk of cancer. Interestingly, a common factor has recently been identified among many new cancer patients under the age of 45. Dr. Nicholas DeVito, an oncologist from Duke University in North Carolina, has highlighted this factor and is sharing his insights with the public.

Critical Cancer Risk for Under 45s

Based on the data Dr. DeVito has analyzed, along with his direct observations of patients, he concludes that junk food and processed meats are contributing to the rise in cancer cases among younger adults. He particularly notes an increase in gastrointestinal cancers in people under 50, with stomach and bile duct cancer rates climbing with each new generation. Alarmingly, nearly three-quarters of Americans regularly consume diets high in processed foods.

Weak Regulation of Processed Foods

Diets high in processed foods have been linked to an increased risk of gastrointestinal cancers.[2] This connection has raised concerns about the adequacy of food industry regulations. In the U.S., many additives are permitted without being fully proven safe, unlike in the European Union, where strict regulations require ingredients to be thoroughly tested and confirmed safe before they can be used in food products.

Untruths in Food Product Advertising

Adding to the problem of weak regulation is the prevalence of fast food advertising that promotes an image of health, happiness, and social connection—without disclosing the real health risks of consuming ultra-processed foods. Junk food has become deeply embedded in American culture, as iconic as baseball or Independence Day. Meanwhile, powerful industry lobbyists continue to push for a positive portrayal of these foods, often downplaying or ignoring their harmful effects. Dr. DeVito stresses that the responsibility to protect public health—especially from cancer-causing substances—must outweigh the political and economic influence of these lobbying groups.

Your Diet and Cancer Risk: What to Avoid

Doctors advise reducing the intake of highly processed foods—especially those high in salt, sugar, and saturated fats. This includes items like biscuits, cakes, pastries, fries, sugary soft drinks, and fast foods such as burgers and pizzas. While cancer was once primarily seen in older adults, there is now a troubling trend of younger individuals being diagnosed, highlighting the growing importance of healthier dietary choices.

Scientific Findings on Fast Food and Cancer Risk

Although cancer can result from a combination of factors, processed meats and other heavily processed foods have recently come under increased scrutiny. New studies suggest that, in some cases, early-onset bowel cancer may be linked to gut bacteria more commonly found in individuals who consume diets high in sugar and low in fiber. Some early colorectal cancer patients have tumors with specific mutations that researchers believe may be triggered by these microbes. These genetic changes may weaken the body’s natural ability to eliminate pre-cancerous cells.

Finding a Balance: Junk Food in Moderation

Health experts recommend consuming junk food only occasionally and in small quantities. Studies show that a 10% increase in the intake of ultra-processed foods is associated with a 23% higher risk of head and neck cancers. Similarly, diets rich in processed foods are linked to a 24% increased risk of esophageal cancer—currently the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Processed meats are particularly harmful; the World Health Organization has officially classified them as carcinogenic. Research also confirms a clear link between processed meat consumption and the development of colorectal cancer.

Processed Foods and Cancer: What the Research Shows

Doctors attribute the increased cancer risk primarily to nitrates found in processed meats. When these nitrates interact with certain chemicals in the body, they can cause cellular damage. One study showed that people who ate processed red meat daily were 40% more likely to develop bowel cancer compared to those who consumed it only once a week. The risk was also linked to foods containing nitrite preservatives, smoked products, and red meat. To reduce your cancer risk, it’s best to cut back on processed meats and junk food as much as possible. Limiting meat consumption to once a week and exploring a variety of delicious alternatives can make a positive difference for your health.

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