WhatAilsAmerica

Dear Readers,

It is time to take a closer look at the cancer epidemic currently affecting the United States. When examining the healthcare crisis plaguing young adults in America, I see a multifaceted problem.
On one hand, we have an environmental disaster in the Corn Belt; Iowa now has the highest cancer rates in the country. We also see disturbingly high rates in Kentucky and West Virginia. Beyond these specific regions, there is a nationwide increase in GI cancers, with the age of onset moving significantly lower.
This crisis is largely driven by increased carcinogen exposure related to the reckless use of agricultural chemicals and food processing. Furthermore, older generations have failed to emphasize the importance of home-cooked meals, while lower standards of living continue to plague many social groups. While it is accepted that processed, smoked, or burned foods increase the incidence of GI cancers, we must ask why rates are skyrocketing now when these cooking methods have existed for generations.
We believe the lack of fiber and whole foods in modern diets is a primary factor. Issues such as hard stools, long transit times, and altered gut flora are likely contributors. To ensure shelf life, the food industry has made it nearly impossible to find true whole-grain products. Unless you buy locally, eating genuine whole foods is a significant challenge, as the industry often uses legal loopholes to mislabel products.
The crux of the problem lies with a food industry that the younger population is entirely dependent upon. For many, cooking is a lost art, replaced by a reliance on takeout and delivery services. Additionally, the industry’s need for constant growth has shifted cultural norms to normalize obesity, while doctors who discuss the health implications of weight are often discouraged from doing so. This has led to a preference for "fat surgery" over necessary dietary resets.
The FDA and the medical profession have failed us over the last 30 years. The processed food and restaurant industries exert undue influence on our culture through massive advertising clout. Consequently, many young people feel powerless, knowing their choices are damaging their health. To address this, the U.S. education system needs to be revamped with a strong emphasis on personal responsibility and nutrition.