September 6, 2016, 7:45AM, GEORGE HARRISON
Health experts have warned that there is a worrying rise in cancer among young children, which can be blamed on our 21st-century lifestyles. They believe tablet computers, fast food, mobile phones, car emissions, and cleaning agents are responsible for a recent spike in childhood cancers.
Medical professionals claim we are facing a cancer “epidemic,” with a horrifying 40 % rise in children’s cancer being blamed on our modern lifestyle. In fact, research shows that tablet computers, fast food, mobile phones, car emissions, and cleaning agents are said to be among the culprits responsible for a spike in the disease.
The charity Children with Cancer UK exposed the risk as part of Child Cancer Awareness Month, claiming that 1,300 more children are affected each year since statistics began in 1998.
What is the solution?
The charity has called on the Government to help parents combat the everyday lifestyle dangers which are putting thousands of children at risk. Alasdair Philips, the charity’s trustee and science adviser, said: “Due to our modern lifestyles, we are losing the battle against childhood cancer”.
“Unfortunately, it is an epidemic, and up to the age of 14, we do see much better five-year survival rates, but with most types of cancer, 50% of children will die within several years. More children are dying.”
The charity, which points out that “only around 5% of cancers are caused by hereditary factors,” is going to launch a three-day conference, Childhood Cancer 2016, to discuss possible ways to combat this epidemic.
Mr. Philips adds: “I believe up to seven out of 10 causes of cancer could be down to lifestyle where children spend most of their free time glued to their tablet computers rather than reaping the benefits of outdoor exercise as was the case in the past”.
Of course, part of the statistical rise in the number of childhood cancer cases is because the population is on the rise — meaning there are more children in total.
However, Children with Cancer UK claims that population growth can only be causing around 10% of the rise, with the rest of the spike unexplained.
Children with Cancer UK says the biggest rises in the past 16 years have been in the 15-24 age group, where colon, thyroid, ovarian and cervical cancers have spiraled. Colon cancer is up a staggering 200%. However, they believe that there is still hope for the nation’s children — but only if people limit their kids’ exposure to the potential lifestyle risks. This includes being more active, eating healthier meals, and preventing children from coming into contact with carcinogenic substances such as cleaning products and secondary cigarette smoke. Only when we actively take these measures onboard are we likely to help make a difference in the fight against cancer?
Mr. Philips says: “I think if everyone made these small changes, we would see this rise decrease.”
The situation in Australia.
Alarmingly, figures show Australia has one of the highest childhood cancer rates in the world, according to the latest research. Over the last 30 years, Australia has seen the cancer rate in children aged up to 14 years increase by about 12%.
One positive note for Australia’s cancer rates is that over the past 30 years, the death rate in children aged 0-14 has decreased by about 60%. In addition, Australia’s five-year survival rates for childhood cancer are among the best in the world. Our modern lifestyle must include regular exercise and healthy foods to ensure the next generation is free from health risks. Only then will we see a decrease in epidemics such as cancer and other potentially life-ending illnesses.
APA Style
Health experts have warned that there is a worrying rise in cancer among young children, which can be blamed on our 21st-century lifestyles. They believe tablet computers, fast food, mobile phones, car emissions, and cleaning agents are responsible for a recent spike in childhood cancers.
Medical professionals claim we are facing a cancer “epidemic,” with a horrifying 40 % rise in children’s cancer being blamed on our modern lifestyle. In fact, research shows that tablet computers, fast food, mobile phones, car emissions, and cleaning agents are said to be among the culprits responsible for a spike in the disease.
The charity Children with Cancer UK exposed the risk as part of Child Cancer Awareness Month, claiming that 1,300 more children are affected each year since statistics began in 1998.
What is the solution?
The charity has called on the Government to help parents combat the everyday lifestyle dangers which are putting thousands of children at risk. Alasdair Philips, the charity’s trustee and science adviser, said: “Due to our modern lifestyles, we are losing the battle against childhood cancer”.
“Unfortunately, it is an epidemic, and up to the age of 14, we do see much better five-year survival rates, but with most types of cancer, 50% of children will die within several years. More children are dying.”
The charity, which points out that “only around 5% of cancers are caused by hereditary factors,” is going to launch a three-day conference, Childhood Cancer 2016, to discuss possible ways to combat this epidemic.
Mr. Philips adds: “I believe up to seven out of 10 causes of cancer could be down to lifestyle where children spend most of their free time glued to their tablet computers rather than reaping the benefits of outdoor exercise as was the case in the past”.
Of course, part of the statistical rise in the number of childhood cancer cases is because the population is on the rise — meaning there are more children in total.
However, Children with Cancer UK claims that population growth can only be causing around 10% of the rise, with the rest of the spike unexplained.
Children with Cancer UK says the biggest rises in the past 16 years have been in the 15-24 age group, where colon, thyroid, ovarian and cervical cancers have spiraled. Colon cancer is up a staggering 200%. However, they believe that there is still hope for the nation’s children — but only if people limit their kids’ exposure to the potential lifestyle risks. This includes being more active, eating healthier meals, and preventing children from coming into contact with carcinogenic substances such as cleaning products and secondary cigarette smoke. Only when we actively take these measures onboard are we likely to help make a difference in the fight against cancer?
Mr. Philips says: “I think if everyone made these small changes, we would see this rise decrease.”
The situation in Australia.
Alarmingly, figures show Australia has one of the highest childhood cancer rates in the world, according to the latest research. Over the last 30 years, Australia has seen the cancer rate in children aged up to 14 years increase by about 12%.
One positive note for Australia’s cancer rates is that over the past 30 years, the death rate in children aged 0-14 has decreased by about 60%. In addition, Australia’s five-year survival rates for childhood cancer are among the best in the world. Our modern lifestyle must include regular exercise and healthy foods to ensure the next generation is free from health risks. Only then will we see a decrease in epidemics such as cancer and other potentially life-ending illnesses.
APA Style
