Rising Incidence of Colorectal Cancer in Young Adults: A Concerning Trend

Colorectal cancer has become a major health concern, particularly for younger adults. It now ranks as the deadliest cancer for men under 50 and the second deadliest for women in the same age group, trailing only breast cancer.

**Increasing Rates in Younger Populations**

Over the past two decades, the incidence of colon cancer has been on the rise, moving from the fourth to a leading cause of cancer death in individuals under 50. This trend is alarming, as cancer has traditionally been more prevalent among the elderly. The American Cancer Society recently reported in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians that colon and rectal cancers are increasingly leading to cancer deaths among younger adults.

Despite the overall decline in cancer deaths in the U.S., this rise in colorectal cancer cases in younger people marks a significant shift in cancer demographics. The percentage of new cancer cases found in people aged 65 and older has decreased slightly since 1995, from 61% to 58%, attributed mainly to declines in prostate and smoking-related cancers.

Contrastingly, new diagnoses among adults aged 50 to 64 have increased from 25% to 30% during the same period. This increase is accompanied by rising rates of breast, endometrial, and mouth and throat cancers, although the report did not specify age-related breakdowns for these types.

**Observations from Oncologists**

Cancer specialists like Dr. Kimmie Ng from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's Young Onset Colorectal Cancer Center have noticed an influx of younger patients over the years. The American Cancer Society's report confirms these observations, indicating a real shift in cancer age demographics.

Dr. William Dahut, the chief scientific officer at the American Cancer Society, highlighted that younger patients often receive diagnoses at later stages, making their cancers more aggressive and challenging to treat. This has contributed to changes in mortality rates.

**Causes and Prevention**

The exact reasons for the increase in cancer, especially colorectal cancer, among younger adults remain unclear. However, factors such as rising obesity rates, sedentary lifestyles, and unhealthy diets are suspected contributors.

**Screening and Protection**

Colonoscopy screenings are generally recommended starting at age 45, but earlier screenings may be necessary for those with a family history of the illness. Despite this, only about a third of individuals diagnosed with colon cancer have a known family history or predisposition.

Maintaining a healthy body weight and reducing red meat consumption may help lower the risk. Symptoms to watch for include blood in the stool, abdominal pain, unintentional weight loss, and changes in bowel habits.