Colon Cancer is the #1 Cause of Cancer Deaths in People Under Age 50
Fast Facts:
- Colon cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths in people under the age of 50.
- The rate of colon cancer in people younger than 50 has increased by more than 1% per year for the last couple of decades. During the same time, rates of colon cancer have gone down in people over the age of 50.
- People who are at increased risk for colon cancer or have any symptoms should get screened before the recommended age of 45. Removing suspicious polyps or cancerous polyps before they spread (early stage) increases the rate of survival.
March is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month. CheckIt4Andretti strives to bring more awareness and raise funds to provide life-saving colonoscopies to patients who can’t access medical care. Right now, this goal is more important than ever.
Researchers published an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association in January showing that colon cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths in people under 50 years of age. This is a startling statistic because the rates of colon cancer deaths have been going down steadily in people over 50 years old. Let’s take a look at what doctors are saying about this alarming trend.
Why are colon cancer deaths dropping in older people?
For the last 3 decades, colon cancer rates have been dropping in older adults. Over the same time, the survival rate has also improved in this group. Gastrointestinal surgeons believe these findings are due to several things:
- More awareness about colon cancer symptoms
- Greater participation in screening programs, especially colonoscopy
- A decline in high risk behaviors like smoking and alcohol use
- Improved treatments
The current guidelines recommend screening for everyone between the ages of 45-75, for those with no increased risk. People with risk factors should be screened earlier, and perhaps later, after discussions with your healthcare provider.
What are the cancer trends in younger adults?
Overall, cancer diagnosis and death has dropped about 40% since 1990 in people under 50 years of age. The exception to this trend is colon and rectal cancer, which has accelerated in younger adults. In 1990, colon cancer was the 5th biggest cancer killer in this age group. Today, colon and rectal cancer take the top spot. Of the most common cancers, these have seen significant declines in occurrence:
- Lung
- Lymphoma
- Pancreatic
- Leukemia
- Brain
- In females, cervical and breast
Only colon and rectal cancer have increased in rate and mortality. But why?
What makes colorectal cancer more deadly in young people?
Younger adults don’t have the same level of awareness as older adults. When they go to the doctor for an annual visit, colon cancer screening isn’t on anyone’s mind. As a result, colon cancer is often diagnosed at a more advanced stage. As a matter of fact, young adults have the sharpest increase of metastatic colon cancer of any age group. The more advanced the stage at the time of diagnosis, the worse the outcome. The finding is especially true in Black and Hispanic groups.
Young adults may brush off early warning signs. They may be embarrassed to talk about symptoms. They may not have access to health care. All of which can lead to a later diagnosis, with less positive outcomes.
What can be done to reverse this trend?
Raising awareness is critical to save lives. Knowing about your individual risk factors can lead to earlier diagnosis and life-saving treatment. Some important ways to impact diagnosis and survival include:
- Know your family history. If a close family member has colorectal cancer, get screened earlier.
- Be aware of warning signs. Rectal bleeding, blood in stool, bowel habit changes and anemia are all red flags.
- Avoid risky behaviors like smoking, vaping and alcohol.
- Eat a gut-healthy, “Mediterranean” diet. Avoid processed foods like red meats and sugars.
- Get some exercise several times a week.
Being aware of the risk factors and signs of colon cancer can lead to an earlier diagnosis.
The Bottom Line
Even though colon cancer is dropping in people over 50, it’s making a strong surge in young adults. Unfortunately, young people are more likely to have a more advanced stage at diagnosis. Colon cancer has now become the #1 cause of cancer death in young adults. The trend could be reversible by raising awareness about lifestyle choices, symptoms and individual medical risk. Join CheckIt4Andretti to help raise awareness and save young adult lives. Check it for the ones you love, CheckIt4Andretti.
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