Here’s a bit of unsettling health news that’s been turning heads lately: appendix cancer, once super rare, is now showing up more often in millennials. Yep, you read that right. According to a new study from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, people born between 1985 and 1990 are seeing four times as many cases as before. Those born between 1980 and 1985? Their risk has tripled.Even though appendix cancer still isn’t super common—it affects about one or two people per million each year—the fact that it’s rising among younger adults is raising some serious red flags. And it’s not happening in isolation. Other cancers like colorectal, breast, uterine, pancreatic, and kidney cancers are also on the rise in younger people. So, what’s going on?
Why is this happening?
Well, the exact reason is still kind of a mystery, but researchers have a few theories.1. Lifestyle and diet changes:Our lifestyles have changed a lot over the years. Think: more processed foods, less movement, more screen time, and rising obesity rates. All of that adds up.2. Environmental toxins:We’re exposed to more stuff than ever—microplastics in our water, chemicals in our cleaning products, even pesticides in our food. It’s possible these environmental triggers are doing long-term damage.3. Genetics:Some people are more at risk because of inherited conditions like Lynch syndrome or FAP (familial adenomatous polyposis), which can increase your chance of getting appendix and other types of cancer.
Appendix cancer: Early symptoms
The thing with appendix cancer is that it can fly totally under the radar. Most people don’t even know they have it until they’re on the operating table getting their appendix removed for what doctors thought was just a case of appendicitis. Surprise—it’s cancer.
Here’s what to watch for:
- A dull pain or discomfort in your lower right abdomen (where your appendix lives) that just doesn’t go away
- Bloating that sticks around or feels abnormal
- Unexplained weight loss
- Feeling full quickly when eating, or just a weird, off feeling in your gut
- Changes in bathroom habits—constipation, diarrhea, or both on and off
None of these scream “appendix cancer,” which is what makes it so tricky. They’re vague, and honestly, super easy to blame on stress, junk food, or even just a rough week. But if something feels off and it sticks around, don’t ignore it.
Why early detection matters
Younger adults often get hit with more aggressive forms of appendix cancer, but they also tend to be healthier overall, which means they’re better candidates for intense treatments like CRS and HIPEC. That’s a combo of surgery to remove tumors followed by heated chemo poured right into the abdomen. It’s a serious treatment, but it can be incredibly effective—especially if the cancer is caught early.
What can you do?
While you can’t control everything, you can make some lifestyle choices that may help lower your risk.Move your body: Exercise regularly. It doesn’t have to be intense—just stay active.Eat real food: Stick to whole, unprocessed foods as much as possible. Cut back on junk and sugary drinks.Go to the doctor—even when you feel fine: Routine checkups can catch things early, before symptoms even show up.Listen to your gut (literally): If something feels weird—pain, bloating, changes in digestion—don’t brush it off. Talk to a doctor.
