A recent study has established a strong connection between colon cancer in young individuals and several risk factors, including obesity, family history of the disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and symptoms such as stomach pain and rectal bleeding.
Researchers analyzed nearly 319,000 colon cancer cases in the United States diagnosed from 2015 to 2021, focusing on about 17,000 patients aged 18 to 44, while the remaining 302,000 were older. This study sheds light on a concerning trend, as colon cancer, historically associated with older adults, is increasingly affecting younger populations.
Traditionally, colon cancer has been linked to older adults, particularly those over the age of 65. However, colorectal cancer rates among individuals under 50 have been on the rise since the 1990s. Dr. Kelley Chan, the lead author of the study, pointed out that while there has been a 20% decrease in colon cancer diagnoses for those aged 66 and older over the last two decades, the incidence among those aged 18 to 44 has increased by 15% during the same period. This shift indicates a growing public health concern that requires further investigation.
The research team also observed a significant representation of non-Hispanic Black patients among the younger demographic, many of whom were diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease. Notable cases, such as that of actor Chadwick Boseman, highlight the urgency of addressing this issue; Boseman was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer at 39 and passed away from the disease at 43.
Oncologists attribute the rising incidence of colon cancer in younger individuals to factors such as obesity, sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and environmental pollutants, along with other yet-to-be-identified contributors.
In light of these troubling trends, the US Preventive Services Task Force updated its colorectal cancer screening guidelines in 2021, lowering the recommended starting age for screening from 50 to 45 for adults at average risk. This change reflects a growing recognition of the need for early detection and intervention among younger populations.
The need for tailored health strategies is further underscored by findings from a separate study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan, which revealed that young colorectal cancer patients face unique challenges related to anxiety, mental health, and concerns about their future.
The work of both Dr. Chan and Dr. Samantha Savitch, who emphasizes the importance of addressing the holistic needs of young cancer patients, will be presented at the upcoming American College of Surgeons conference in San Francisco. Their research underscores the urgent need for more comprehensive studies to understand the factors contributing to colon cancer in individuals under 45, as well as the necessity for healthcare programs to address the specific challenges faced by this demographic.
