Colon Cancer Leading Cause of Death Under 50 in U.S

Colorectal Cancer Leading Cause of Death Under 50

Colorectal cancer, which is often referred to as colon cancer, has emerged as the main cause of cancer-related fatalities among Americans aged 50 years and below. This worrying trend has caused a lot of concern among medical experts. “Colorectal cancer (CRC) is now the leading cause of cancer death in adults under 50 and the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., highlighting the importance of routine screenings,” according to FOX News.

Traditionally, the illness has been regarded as a health problem that mostly touches older people. However, it is currently being recorded among younger Americans. Tragically, the younger Americans are being detected with the illness at a more advanced stage.

According to a recent study by the American Cancer Society, whereas fatalities from cancer among Americans aged 50 years and below have reduced significantly over the last three decades, fatalities from colorectal cancer have continued to rise. As a result of this worrying trend, the illness has emerged from being the fifth cause of cancer fatalities among younger Americans in the early 1990s to become the first cause by 2023.

A Concerning Trend in Younger Adults

Overall cancer mortality rates in Americans under the age of 50 have decreased by about 44 percent since 1990, owing to advancements in cancer treatments, prevention, and early detection. For example, mortality rates from lung cancer, breast cancer, brain cancer, and leukemia have all decreased.

Colorectal cancer, on the other hand, has increased. Death rates from colorectal cancer in younger Americans have increased annually since 2005 at a rate of 1.1 percent. This is an increase in cancer incidence, making it the only one of these five most common types of cancer that has increased in younger Americans.

According to health researchers, this increase in cancer incidence is particularly disconcerting since it defies conventional wisdom that colorectal cancer is an older person’s disease. For decades, cancer screening programs have been targeted at older Americans, and therefore, younger Americans have not been screened.

Late Diagnosis a Major Problem

One of the major reasons for the high mortality rate from colorectal cancer among young adults is that the condition is diagnosed too late. Many young adults under the age of 50 do not think that they are vulnerable to colorectal cancer and hence tend to ignore the initial signs. Doctors believe that young adults tend to ignore signs such as rectal bleeding, abdominal cramps, unexplained weight loss, or changes in bowel habits.

Hence, young adults are likely to seek medical attention only after the condition has advanced. Statistics indicate that out of four young adults diagnosed with colorectal cancer under the age of 50, three are diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer. “Initially, she was experiencing “pencil thin” bowel movements and having to “go number two much more frequently,” as much as five or six times a day. Eventually, she started seeing thick, dark blood with each movement,” according to The Guardian.

Colorectal cancer diagnosed during its initial stages is highly treatable. The chances of survival are over 90 percent if diagnosed during its earliest stage. However, once the cancer has spread to other organs, the chances of survival are greatly reduced.

Possible Causes Behind the Rise

However, scientists have yet to understand the cause of the rising incidence of colon cancer in younger people. Experts have hypothesized that various factors may be contributing to the rising incidence of colon cancer in younger people.

The most common factors cited as contributing to the rising incidence of colon cancer in younger people include lifestyle changes over the past few decades. These include a diet rich in processed foods and red meat products, lack of exercise, obesity, alcohol use, and smoking. These factors are known risk factors for colon cancer.

Environmental factors may also be contributing factors. Scientists have hypothesized that exposure to various environmental factors, including chemicals or microplastics, may have a potential impact on the development of digestive cancers.

Genetics is another factor. People who have a family history of colorectal cancer or genetic syndromes such as Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis are also more likely to develop the disease. However, doctors also stress that many young patients who develop the disease have no genetic risk factors.

Screening Guidelines and Prevention

As a result of the increase in the number of young adults being diagnosed with the condition, medical associations have started to change their recommendations. Recently, the recommended age for the screening of colorectal cancer has been lowered from 50 to 45 years of age.

The screening tests include colonoscopy, stool tests, and other tests that can be effective in the diagnosis of polyps that cause colorectal cancer. Polyps are growths that develop on the colon and can be removed before they develop into cancer.

The screening tests for colorectal cancer have been low among young adults. Many young adults are unaware of the new recommendations and believe that they will be screened for the condition at an older age. Doctors are now advising young adults to consider speaking to their doctors about the condition if they are experiencing any symptoms.

Raising Awareness

Health advocates emphasize that increased awareness is necessary in addressing the growing incidence of colorectal cancer among young people. Efforts during awareness month and campaigns by medical organizations aim to raise public awareness of the signs and symptoms of the disease.

Experts emphasize that it is necessary to eliminate the stigma associated with discussing digestive health, as it may sometimes be a barrier for people who may be affected by the problem. Discussing the symptoms openly may help people get better medical attention for the problem.

Looking Ahead

Although the cause for the increase in colorectal cancer among young Americans is still under research, doctors say that one thing is for sure: age is no longer a factor in ruling out the disease.

More awareness, screening, and research would be required in order to reverse the trend. While researchers continue to find the cause for the increase in colorectal cancer among young Americans, public health experts say that awareness and early detection would be crucial in preventing the disease.

The increase in colorectal cancer among young Americans is a reminder that cancer is a dynamic disease and its incidence may fluctuate over time. Prevention and early detection are the best weapons against cancer.

By David Loran Jr

A successful Editor-in-Chief, journalist for over 6 years, writing about important topics that are going on within the U.S. and beyond.

Sources:

The Guardian: Colon cancer now leading cause of cancer deaths under 50 in US

Fox News: Red flags for colorectal cancer that warrant screenings before 45 years of age

Featured Image Courtesy of Steve Beshear’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License

Inset Image Courtesy of Fortune Brainstorm Health’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License