Even as overall colorectal cancer rates have declined — thanks in part to more regular screening in older adults — there has been an alarming increase in colorectal cancer in adults younger than 50.
Anytime the disease is diagnosed in this younger population, it’s called early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC).
What’s the rate of increase in EOCRC?
There’s been a nearly 30% increase in EOCRC over the past 20 years, caused mostly by increases in the United States, Australia and Canada. EORC now accounts for 10-12% of all new colorectal cancers found. Equally alarming is the fact that colorectal cancer is causing more deaths in this younger group of patients than ever before.
Risk factors: What’s causing the increase?
The medical community has not yet found a definitive reason for the increase in EOCRC. Approximately 28% of cases reveal a family history of the disease, yet that still leaves the majority of diagnoses without a consistent cause.
Other known and suspected risk factors include:
- Poor diet, particularly from an early age
- Sedentary lifestyle or occupation
- Lower socioeconomic status
- Obesity
- Hypertension or high blood pressure
- Hyperlipidemia or high cholesterol
- Ulcerative colitis or inflammatory bowel disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Chronic stress
- Alcohol use
- Smoking
- Excessive antibiotic use
- Poor quality of gut bacteria or microbiota
- Assigned male at birth
- Being Caucasian
Symptoms of EOCRC
The colorectal cancer symptoms in younger adults are like those for older populations. You shouldn’t discount any symptoms just because you’re young.
Let your primary care doctor know if you have any symptoms that last for two weeks or longer. Some of these symptoms include:
- Any change in bowel habits — diarrhea, constipation, a feeling that you can’t empty your bowel all the way, more or less frequent trips to the bathroom
- Blood of any color in the stool
- Narrower than usual stools
- Bloating or constant feeling of fullness
- Frequent gas pains or cramping
- Unexplained weight loss
- Excessive lethargy or tiredness
- Vomiting
(Source: National Cancer Institute)
Earlier colorectal cancer screening
If you’re considered at average risk for colorectal cancer, your first screening — usually a colonoscopy — should be done at age 45. Your next screening will be scheduled depending on what’s found in this initial test.
If you have lifestyle, health or genetic factors that put you at higher risk, your doctor may revise this to a lower age or recommend more frequent screening.
Specialized support for young adults with cancer
The James offers a full range of support for patients and caregivers to help you manage life with cancer while you’re also developing more independence, navigating relationships, managing school and work obligations and preparing for your future.
- If you’re diagnosed with EOCRC between the ages of 15 and 39, the Adolescent and Young Adult Program at the James may be helpful.
- Other targeted services beneficial to younger patients include those related to:
Of course, whatever your concerns, we’re here to help. If you have EOCRC, know that we’ll develop a treatment plan that includes the latest medical advancements as well as social services and programs that can boost your resiliency, protect your mental health and improve your overall quality of life.