U.S. sees rising cases of colorectal cancer in younger people

Everyone is at risk of developing cancer, yet chances increase with age. More than 88 percent of people in the United States who are diagnosed with cancer are over 50 years of age. And while overall diagnoses are declining in people over 65, a new report from the American Cancer Society suggests that colorectal cancers are rising in younger people under 50. Experts are seeking to understand why.

The term “colorectal cancer” misclassifies colon and rectal cancers by putting them into one lump category, the ACS report says.

The rates of colorectal cancers have declined since the 1980s due to widespread screenings among adults over 50.

Rates of colorectal cancer in people younger than 55 have been increasing by close to two percent each year since the 1990s.

Research suggests increases in colorectal cancer cases are driven by an increase in rectal cancers in the distal side of the colon, near the rectum, which could help experts understand what’s happening.

Colorectal cancer has become the top cause of cancer deaths in men under 50 and second cause of cancer deaths in women under 50. Over half of colorectal cancer diagnoses in the U.S. are attributable to risk factors that can be changed, the report says.

Excess body weight, a sedentary lifestyle, long-term tobacco or alcohol use, a diet high in processed meat, and a diet low in calcium or fiber are considered modifiable risk factors.Preventative screenings can save lives.

More research is needed to understand why cases of colorectal cancer are rising rapidly among people in their 20s, 30s and 40s.

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