Colorectal cancer (CRC) is now the leading cause of cancer death in adults under 50, a stark reversal of previous trends. A new report from the American Cancer Society reveals that individuals 65 and younger now account for nearly half of all new CRC cases, a substantial rise from 27% in 1995.
The disease is increasing most rapidly in adults aged 20 to 49, with diagnoses occurring at an average age of 45-49. Alarmingly, 75% of these younger patients are diagnosed at advanced stages, despite being eligible for routine screenings, with only 37% undergoing them.
Rectal cancer specifically is also on the rise, making up about one-third of all CRC cases. Experts attribute this alarming trend to factors such as poor nutrition, high alcohol consumption, smoking, lack of exercise, and obesity. "We need to redouble research efforts to understand the cause, but also circumvent deaths through earlier detection by educating clinicians and the general public about symptoms and increasing screening in people 45-54 years," stated Rebecca Siegel, senior scientific director at the American Cancer Society. Early detection remains critical, with a 95% five-year survival rate when caught at a local stage.
Dr. William Dahut, chief scientific officer at the American Cancer Society, emphasized the immediate need for eligible adults to begin screening at age 45. Continued funding for research is also crucial to discover new therapies and advance patient care.