A look at risk as colorectal cancer rises in younger people | News, Sports, Jobs

Washington — Colorectal cancer, long considered a disease of older adults, is now increasingly affecting younger men and women. It has become the leading cause of cancer-related deaths for Americans under 50.

A Rising Threat to Younger Adults

The recent deaths of actor James Van Der Beek, age 48, and, previously, Chadwick Boseman, age 43, serve as stark reminders of this growing risk. Dr. John Marshall of Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer centre, a cancer doctor for over three decades, notes a significant shift. “We’re now starting to see more and more people in the 20-, 30- and 40-year-old range developing colon cancer. At the beginning of my career, nobody that age had colorectal cancer,” he said.

While overall cases and deaths have slightly decreased in recent years, largely due to early detection through screening, the trend among younger adults is concerning. Colorectal cancer mortality in those under 50 has increased by 1.1% annually since 2005, and is now the deadliest cancer for this age group. An estimated 3,890 people under 50 will die from the disease this year.

Understanding the Risks and Symptoms

Although the majority of cases and deaths still occur in individuals 50 and older, the rising incidence in younger populations is prompting investigation. Several factors can contribute to risk at any age, including obesity, lack of physical activity, a diet rich in red or processed meat and low in fruits and vegetables, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, inflammatory bowel disease, and a family history of colorectal cancer.

Recognizing the symptoms is crucial. These include blood in stool or rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of stool) lasting more than a few days, unintended weight loss, and abdominal cramps or pain. “Don’t ignore symptoms. Get it checked,” Dr. Marshall stressed, emphasizing that early diagnosis significantly improves survival rates.

Screening and Future Directions

Current medical guidelines recommend that average-risk individuals begin screening at age 45. However, this may be too late for some young adults. Those with higher risk factors should discuss earlier screening options with their doctors. Screening methods vary, from yearly stool-based tests to colonoscopies every 10 years (if no issues are found), and a newer blood test for adults 45 and older.

The cause of the increase in colorectal cancer among younger adults remains unknown. Dr. Marshall suggests that changes in gut bacteria—the microbiome—may play a role, as many young patients lack traditional risk factors. The location of tumors within the colon differs between younger and older patients, offering another avenue for research.

Frequently Asked Questions

How common is colorectal cancer overall?

More than 158,000 cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. This year, making it the nation’s second leading cancer killer, behind lung cancer.

What symptoms should I look out for?

Symptoms include blood in stool or rectal bleeding; changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation or narrowing of stool that lasts more than a few days; unintended weight loss; and cramps or abdominal pain.

At what age should I begin screening?

Medical guidelines say the average person should start getting screened at age 45, but people known to be at higher risk are supposed to talk with their doctors about whether to start screening even earlier.

As research continues, it remains vital to be aware of the changing landscape of colorectal cancer and to prioritize proactive health measures.