A recent report from the American
Cancer Society (ACS) reveals that colorectal cancer has become one of the
primary contributors to cancer-related fatalities in young adults. The ACS,
annually publishing data on new cancer cases and deaths in the U.S. in CA: A
Cancer Journal for Clinicians, highlights a consistent rise in colorectal
cancer cases among individuals under 50.
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| Some primary risk factors for colorectal cancer include family history, obesity, smoking, heavy alcohol, a diet high in red and processed meats, inflammatory bowel disease and a personal history or family history of polyps, according to a cancer doctor |
In the late 1990s, colorectal
cancer held the position of the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in this
age group. However, by 2024, it has ascended to become the primary cause of
cancer deaths in men and the second-leading cause in women.
Dr. Aparna Parikh, the medical director of the Center for Young Adult Colorectal Cancer at the Mass General Cancer Center, expresses concern about the increasing rates of colorectal cancer among young individuals, specifically noting the unsettling trend of colon cancer emerging as the primary cause of cancer-related deaths in men below the age of 50. Dr. Parikh, who is not associated with the ACS, finds the rise alarming but not unexpected.
Researchers in the colorectal
cancer field have been actively investigating the reasons behind the surge in
rates among young adults, according to Parikh. While a complete understanding
is still elusive, she points to a combination of factors such as an
individual's risk profile, overall constitution, and early exposures.
In an email to Fox News Digital,
Parikh elaborates on these exposures, citing dietary, environmental, and
potential antibiotic factors, along with lifestyle choices, all interacting in
individuals with specific susceptibilities.
Notably, individuals with seemingly healthy lifestyle practices and no evident risk factors may still develop colorectal cancer, as emphasized by the doctor. Conversely, there are those with less-than-ideal habits who do not develop the disease, highlighting the intricate interplay between an individual's characteristics and their exposures.
Dr. Parikh identifies several
primary risk factors, including a family history of the disease, obesity,
smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, a diet rich in red and processed meats,
inflammatory bowel disease, and a personal or family history of polyps.
To mitigate occurrences in younger
patients, the doctor underscores the significance of enhancing public awareness
regarding early symptom recognition. Additionally, she advocates for adopting
healthy lifestyle practices, such as limiting red meat consumption, refraining
from smoking, engaging in regular exercise, and embracing a Mediterranean-based
diet.
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| As of 2024, colorectal cancer ranks as the leading cause of cancer deaths in men |
Dr. Parikh stresses the importance of early screening, with the standard of care recommending screening at the age of 45. Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard, but there are also appropriate stool-based tests. Any symptoms such as weight loss, blood in stool, anemia, or alterations in bowel habits should prompt immediate consideration of a colonoscopy.
In 2024, the American Cancer
Society (ACS) anticipates over 2 million new cancer cases and 611,720
cancer-related deaths in the United States.
While overall cancer mortality has
shown a decline, likely attributed to advancements in early detection, improved
treatments, and healthier lifestyle choices, the report highlights an increase
in the prevalence of certain cancers. Alongside colorectal cancer, cervical
cancer has experienced a yearly rise of 1% to 2% among adults aged 30 to 44.
Across all age groups, cancer rates
have seen an annual increase of 0.6% to 1% for breast, pancreas, and uterine
corpus cancers. Additionally, rates have risen by 2% to 3% annually for
prostate, liver (female), kidney, human papillomavirus-associated oral cancers,
and melanoma, according to the report.
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