If you are young, you probably aren’t worried about diseases like colorectal cancer. But unfortunately, this type of cancer is on the rise among young adults. That’s why Yale Medical surgeons are urging people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s to talk to their doctors about suspicious symptoms like constipation, rectal bleeding, and changes in bowel movements.
Doctors at Yale Medicine Colon & Rectal Surgery are seeing more young patients with colorectal cancer diagnoses. One week, all seven patients who were diagnosed with the condition were 35 or younger. The youngest patient to receive a diagnosis at the location was just 18.
The American Cancer Society released a recent report showing that 20% of colorectal cancer diagnoses in 2019 were in patients under 55, about double the rate of 1995. They have also seen a 3% increase in advanced stages of the disease in people younger than 50.
It is predicted that there will be around 19,550 colorectal cancer diagnoses and 3,750 colorectal cancer-related deaths by the end of 2023. As a result, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the U.S. Multisociety Task Force are recommending regular colorectal screenings starting at the age of 45, 5 years earlier than previously recommended.
In the meantime, although colorectal cancer is most frequently diagnosed in people over 65, it is declining among those age groups. Moreover, people over 65 are less likely to be diagnosed with advanced cases of the disease than people under 50.
Why are Colorectal Cancer Cases Rising
Scientists are unsure why colorectal cases are rising in younger people. A sedentary lifestyle, being overweight or obese, smoking, heavy alcohol use, unhealthy diets, and environmental factors can play a role in increasing the risk of a positive diagnosis. A family history of cancer, polyps or inflammatory bowel disease can also be contributing factors.
Genetics may also be responsible for the increasing uptick. A diagnosis of colorectal cancer is commonly associated with Lynch Syndrome which involves tumors on the left side of the colon. But researchers have determined that it’s not what’s contributing to the current rise in numbers.
What Young People Can Do to Keep Colorectal Cancer Under Control
While colorectal cancer does not tend to be deadly, treatment can be expensive and disruptive to life. Although the disease is rising in young people, it is still too low to justify routine colonoscopies. However, individuals should be requesting a rectal exam from their doctor if they notice a change in bowel movements or rectal bleeding.
A healthy lifestyle that includes quitting smoking, drinking responsibly, consuming adequate fiber, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising is also recommended for lowering the risk of a positive diagnosis.