May 15, 2024—While the overall decline in colorectal cancer rates over the past 20 years is encouraging, one group is an exception: Americans under the age of 45.
From 1999 to 2020, colorectal cancer cases increased by 333% among 15 to 19 year olds and 185% among 20 to 24 year olds, according to new research presented at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2024 .
While these percentages may seem high, the number of people affected in these age groups is still small compared with Americans 45 and older, said Dr. Loren Laine, professor of medicine of digestive diseases at Yale University School of Medicine. meeting.
“The trend is shocking [but] “The actual number of colorectal cancer cases in children and adolescents is not high enough to recommend widespread screening,” said lead researcher Islam Muhammad, MD, an internal medicine resident at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
For example, in 1999, 1 in 333,000 adolescents aged 15 to 19 years would develop colorectal cancer.
Meanwhile, the number of cases among young people aged 20 to 24 increased from less than 1 per 100,000 people to 2 in 2020.
Even though the risks are relatively low in absolute terms, experts are still focused on why rates are rising. This is also about raising awareness.If anyone under 45 has experienced Colorectal cancer symptoms For things like bloody stools, stomach pain, changes in bowel habits, Lane said they should seek medical help.
“If you have symptoms like rectal bleeding, you shouldn’t take it lightly. The likelihood that they’re going to get colon cancer is still very small… but obviously you still shouldn’t ignore it completely,” Lane said.
“Colorectal cancer is no longer considered just a disease of older people,” Muhammad said at a news conference. “It is important that the public understands the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer.”
Muhammad and colleagues studied colorectal cancer cases using data from CDC Miracle Database, a central repository of public health information. They calculated the increase by comparing rates from 1999 to 2020.
Colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States.currently it Ranked third Data from the American Cancer Society shows that once certain skin cancers are excluded, new cases and cancer-related deaths occur.
Some risk factors can be modified
Colorectal cancer rates in young people “have been rising. It may be related to environmental factors, lifestyle factors and genetic factors. “It may also mean that we are doing a better job. Maybe we are screening patients more, maybe We are getting better at selecting patients at higher risk for colorectal cancer in younger populations.
There are ways to help reduce the risk of colon cancer, including losing weight.
“As we’ve seen, I think adopting a healthy lifestyle would be a good way to curb the rise in colorectal cancer rates metabolic syndrome is a big [factor]”. Maintain a balanced diet, engage in regular physical activity and possibly limit alcohol consumption, Muhammad said.
“There is also controversy about antibiotic use and dietary additives, which may, but not definitely, contribute to colorectal cancer risk,” he said.
On the other hand, up to one-third of early-onset colorectal cancer cases are related to factors that cannot be changed. Examples include a family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain types of cancer associated with genetic mutations. “When you think about it, most young people [with colorectal cancer] There could be a genetic syndrome,” Lane said. “Frankly, the biggest issue is finding better ways to identify families with genetic syndromes. That’s probably the most important message.
Risks vary by age
In addition to growth in the 15 to 19 and 20 to 24 age groups, the 2020 rates compared to 1999 also show:
- The population aged 25 to 29 increased by 68%
- The 30 to 34 age group increased by 71%
- The population aged 35 to 39 increased by 58%
- The 40 to 44 age group increased by 45%
“These findings all highlight the urgent need for public awareness and personalized screening approaches, particularly among younger people where we are seeing the large increase in colorectal cancer incidence,” said Muhammad.
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force lowers recommended age for colorectal cancer screening from 50 to 45 2021.
“I think it would be very, very helpful to stay informed about rising rates and the latest research and recommendations on colorectal cancer prevention and screening.”
