Appendix cancers on the rise in younger generations, study finds

By Admin

10 Jun, 2025

Appendix cancer, though extremely rare, is making a surprising and concerning appearance in younger populations. A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine has shed light on a trend that has caught the attention of medical researchers and oncologists across the country: a significant increase in appendix cancer cases among millennials and Gen X.

According to the analysis of data from the National Cancer Institute, rates of appendix cancer have tripled among Generation X and quadrupled among millennials compared to previous generations. The lead researcher, Dr. Andreana Holowatyj, a professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, emphasized that there is a “disproportionate burden of appendix cancer among young individuals.”

Dr. Holowatyj’s earlier findings were also pivotal, revealing that 1 in every 3 appendix cancers is diagnosed in adults under the age of 50 a sharp contrast to 1 in every 8 colorectal cancer cases in the same age group.

Rare but Alarming

Appendix cancer remains incredibly rare, with an occurrence rate of only 1 to 2 cases per million people in the U.S. annually, according to the National Cancer Institute. Despite the low frequency, the increase is statistically significant. Holowatyj's study utilized data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program, which represents around 45.9% of the U.S. population. Between 1975 and 2019, 4,858 appendix cancer cases were documented.

This upward trend among younger people aligns with a broader pattern being observed in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Dr. Andrea Cercek, a GI cancer specialist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, noted that colorectal cancer rates in younger adults have been climbing for decades. She believes that multiple environmental and lifestyle factors may be at play, including dietary changes, water and food quality, and exposure to microplastics.

Difficult to Detect

The appendix is a small organ located in the lower right abdomen, attached to the large intestine. Unlike other GI cancers, appendix cancers are especially challenging to detect. As Dr. Deborah Doroshow of Mount Sinai explained, these cancers typically don’t appear on standard abdominal scans and aren’t identified during colonoscopies. Most cases about 95% are found only after an episode of appendicitis, when the appendix is surgically removed and analyzed.

Because they’re discovered so late, appendix cancers often come with poorer long-term prognoses. This makes early recognition and self-advocacy especially important. Symptoms such as new persistent abdominal pain, unexplained fatigue, or sudden weight loss should never be ignored, even in young individuals.

Listening to Your Body

Dr. Doroshow stressed the importance of trusting one’s instincts and seeking medical evaluation if something feels off. Many young patients, especially women and people of color, may find their concerns dismissed, making it crucial to speak up and advocate for proper care. While not every stomach ache is a cause for concern, persistent discomfort is worth investigating.

As researchers continue to explore the underlying causes of this generational spike, awareness among patients and healthcare professionals is key. Identifying subtle warning signs and encouraging early testing when feasible may help reduce the disease burden and improve outcomes for future generations.