Health
Colorectal Cancer Tops Cancer Deaths Under 50
Health Points
- Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in adults under 50.
- Experts urge timely screening and attention to symptoms for early detection.
- Lifestyle, environmental, and biological factors may contribute to the trend.
Colorectal cancer has surpassed other cancers to become the primary cause of cancer-related deaths among adults under 50, even as overall cancer mortality continues to decline in this age group.
The annual death rate for colorectal cancer has risen, while those for lung, breast, leukemia, and brain cancers continue to drop.
“It’s really startling and really disappointing and scary,” said Dr. Melissa Lumish, assistant professor at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Research shows the incidence of this cancer in younger adults has steadily increased, although the overall causes remain unclear.
Experts cite possible links to changing diets, increased obesity, sedentary routines, shifts in gut bacteria, and environmental exposures.
“Every other leading cancer death rate is declining. That tells us something fundamentally different is happening with colorectal cancer in younger adults,” explained Dr. Lilian Chen, chief of Colon & Rectal Surgery at Tufts Medical Center.
Many younger adults are not diagnosed until the cancer has advanced, which makes successful treatment more challenging.
“I am treating more and more younger patients with colorectal cancer, and many of them are being diagnosed at later stages,” Chen added.
Regular screenings starting at age 45 are recommended, or earlier for those with a family history or other risk factors.
If a first-degree relative was diagnosed before age 50, experts recommend beginning screening 10 years prior to their age at diagnosis, according to Dr. Lumish.
Half of those diagnosed under age 50 are actually younger than 45, making symptom awareness vital.
Four key warning signs in younger adults include abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and iron deficiency anemia.
“If you are experiencing concerning or persistent symptoms, people should speak to their doctor and learn about their choices for colon cancer screening,” said Chen. “Early detection is the single most powerful tool we have to reverse this trend.”
Stay proactive about your health by scheduling recommended screenings and discussing any unusual symptoms with your healthcare provider.
