Young Adults Face Rising Colon Cancer Threat

Colon cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths among people under 50 in the United States. This alarming trend has been highlighted by new research, which shows that deaths from colon and rectal cancers in this age group have been rising by 1. 1% annually since 2005. The study, published in the medical journal JAMA, analyzed data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics. It found that colorectal cancer has surpassed other cancer types to become the top cause of cancer deaths among people under 50. This is a significant shift from the early 1990s, when it was the fifth most common cause of cancer deaths in this age group. Experts are concerned about this trend, as they do not fully understand why it is happening. Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, senior vice president of surveillance, prevention and health services research at the American Cancer Society, said that mortality for other major causes of cancer deaths in young adults under 50 is declining. It is only colorectal cancer mortality that is increasing. Jenna Scott, a 39-year-old colon cancer survivor, knows firsthand the devastating impact of this disease. She was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer at the age of 31, after experiencing persistent abdominal pain during and after her pregnancy. Despite being fit and healthy, she was shocked by the diagnosis.Scott’s experience is not unique. There are nearly 60 new colorectal cancer cases diagnosed in people under 50 each day in the United States. This is a diagnosis about every 25 minutes. Experts are calling for increased awareness and screening to prevent this disease. The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45. However, only 37% of adults ages 45 to 49 are up-to-date for their colorectal cancer screening. This highlights the need for greater awareness and education about the importance of screening. Dr. Y. Nancy You, professor at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, said that while screening is important, there is also a need for expedient diagnosis and treatment of people who are already symptomatic. She noted that there are delays in diagnosing young adults who are already symptomatic, which can lead to later-stage diagnoses and worse outcomes. Experts are calling for more research to understand why this trend is happening and how to prevent it. They also stress the importance of early detection and treatment to improve outcomes for young adults with colorectal cancer.