Study shows that more young Vietnamese are developing cancer and are dying from cancer!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Nov 18, 2024 2 hours, 45 minutes ago
Medical News: Cancer-related deaths among young adults in Vietnam have risen significantly over the past decade, with unique factors placing this demographic at heightened risk. A groundbreaking study from Hanoi Medical University and Duy Tan University, Vietnam, alongside international collaborators, analyzed data from over 39,000 participants to uncover critical insights into cancer mortality risks in this age group.
Study shows that more young Vietnamese are developing cancer and are dying from cancer
The Hanoi Prospective Cohort Study, which spanned over 11 years, revealed that factors such as smoking (especially waterpipe usage), alcohol consumption, and family history of cancer significantly increased mortality risks among Vietnamese aged 15 - 49. Interestingly, drinking coffee emerged as a potential protective factor. This
Medical News report emphasizes the importance of identifying and addressing these unique risk factors, particularly in a low-to-middle-income country like Vietnam.
Key Findings of the Study
The researchers identified 164 cancer-related deaths in the younger cohort (aged 15 - 49) compared to 390 deaths among those aged 50 or older. Notably, women under 50 were twice as likely to die from cancer compared to men of the same age group - a trend that reversed in older populations. These findings underscore the growing vulnerability of younger Vietnamese adults to cancer.
Smoking and Alcohol: A Dangerous Combination
Smoking, including cigarettes and waterpipes, was the leading risk factor for cancer mortality in the younger group. Exclusive waterpipe smokers faced the highest mortality risks, with the hazard ratio (HR) reaching 2.94 compared to non-smokers. This finding is significant, given Vietnam’s relatively high prevalence of waterpipe smoking at 6.4%.
Alcohol consumption further amplified risks. Young adults who drank alcohol were 1.82 times more likely to succumb to cancer-related deaths than non-drinkers. The combined effect of smoking and alcohol significantly endangered the younger population.
Family History of Cancer
A family history of cancer increased the mortality risk sevenfold in young adults. Women with such a history showed an even higher risk than their male counterparts. This underscores the importance of genetic and familial factors in cancer prevention strategies.
Dietary Habits and Cancer Mortality
Interestingly, coffee consumption was linked to a protective effect against cancer-related deaths, with a hazard ratio of 0.49. On the contrary, high carbohydrate intake emerged as a potential risk factor, challenging previous assumptions about dietary impacts on cancer mortality.
Implications for Public Health
These findings provide crucial insights into how lifestyle factors, such as tobacco and alcohol use, exacerbate cancer risks in younger populations. Vietnam’s rapid economic gro
wth and adoption of Westernized lifestyles may contribute to these trends, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. Public health campaigns must address waterpipe smoking and alcohol consumption as key modifiable risk factors.
Moreover, screening programs for families with a history of cancer could help identify high-risk individuals early. Policies promoting healthy dietary habits and encouraging protective behaviors like coffee consumption might also contribute to reducing mortality rates.
Study Strengths and Limitations
The study’s prospective design and large sample size enhance the reliability of its findings. Detailed lifestyle data, including smoking types and dietary habits, allowed for robust risk assessments. However, limitations such as self-reported data and potential misclassification of smoking behaviors highlight the need for cautious interpretation.
Conclusion
The study highlights a troubling rise in cancer mortality among young Vietnamese adults, driven by lifestyle and genetic factors. Addressing waterpipe smoking, alcohol use, and dietary risks through public health initiatives is critical. With Vietnam at a crossroads of development, now is the time to implement effective cancer prevention strategies.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Cancers.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/22/3853
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