Kansas City, Missouri – The rise in colorectal cancer cases among younger individuals in the United States has been a cause for concern, with significant increases noticed in the past two decades. According to a study presented at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2024, from 1999 to 2020, the incidence of colorectal cancers has spiked by 500% among children aged 10 to 14, 333% among teenagers aged 15 to 19, and 185% among young adults aged 20 to 24.
Lead researcher Islam Mohamed, MD, an internal medicine resident physician at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, emphasized that colorectal cancer is no longer just a disease affecting the elderly population. This alarming trend underscores the importance of raising awareness about the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer.
Risk factors for colorectal cancer include a family history of inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer, as well as modifiable factors like obesity, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and dietary habits such as low fiber intake and consumption of processed meats or sugary beverages. Factors like sedentary lifestyle, certain bacteria that promote tumor growth, antibiotic usage, and dietary additives may also contribute to the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Using data from the Centers for Disease Control Wonder Database, Mohamed’s team analyzed trends in colorectal cancer rates from 1999 to 2020 for individuals aged 10 to 44. While the number of cases among children and teens may not warrant widespread colonoscopy screening, more targeted approaches are necessary. In 2020, the diagnosis rates were relatively low, with only a fraction of children and teens per 100,000 population being diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
For individuals with early-onset colorectal cancer, common symptoms include changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and signs of iron deficiency anemia. The study also noted escalations in diagnosis rates in older age groups, with a 71% increase in the 30 to 34 age bracket and a 58% increase in the 35 to 39 age group. The 40 to 44 age group had the highest incidence rate, reaching 20 cases per 100,000 people in 2020.
The findings from this study highlight the need for increased awareness and tailored preventive measures to address the growing incidence of colorectal cancer among younger populations. Initiatives aimed at promoting healthy lifestyle choices and early detection strategies are crucial in combating this concerning trend.