Colon Cancer and Rectum Cancer Incidences are Increasing:

Colorectal Cancer Incidence Doubled in Younger Adults

A new report from the American Cancer Society reveals that colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence is rapidly increasing among younger adults, with diagnoses in people younger than 55 years doubling from 11% in 1995 to 20% in 2019. The disease is also being diagnosed at more advanced stages in all ages, with 60% of individuals presenting with advanced-stage CRC in 2019. CRC is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death of both men and women in the United States.

Young people are experiencing higher rates, but it's worrisome to note how quickly the patient community as a whole is becoming younger, despite a decline in the population. Also unexpected is the trend toward more advanced diseases in individuals of all ages, which should encourage everyone 45 and older to get screened. Screening is the key to the road to the elimination of the disease.

Over the past ten years, incidence and mortality have decreased from 3% to 4% per year in the 2000s to 1% and 2%, respectively.

What is the cause of colon cancer/rectal cancer?

"It is multifactorial", we can admit readily. But more than half of all cases and deaths are associated with modifiable risk factors, including smoking, an unhealthy diet, high alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and excess body weight. We cannot point the finger at one sole factor; however, we cannot downplay the significance of these factors.

CRC is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death of both men and women in the United States. The report's authors* point out that more than half of all cases and deaths are associated with modifiable risk factors, including smoking, an unhealthy diet, high alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and excess body weight. The report highlights the need for investment in research to uncover the causes of the rising trends in young adults and to discover new treatments for advanced-stage diseases to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Screening and Prevention of cancer are our primary weapons!

Dr. Tugan Tezcaner

General & Laparoscopic Surgeon

Valiant Hospital City Walk

*Siegel RL, Wagle NS, Cercek A, Smith RA, Jemal A. Colorectal cancer statistics, 2023. CA Cancer J Clin. 2023 Mar 1. doi: 10.3322/caac.21772. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36856579.