Why are so many young adults getting colon cancer?
Colon cancer, once thought of as an “old person’s disease,” is becoming more prevalent among young adults, with its rate almost doubling in the last decade (1). Now, in people ages 20 to 49, early-onset colon cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death, and some doctors are treating colon cancer in teenagers (1).
According to a study published by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI) in 2017, millennials have twice the chance of getting colorectal cancer compared to people born in 1950. In that same journal, it was also concluded that people under 55 are 60% more likely to be diagnosed with a late-stage disease compared to older adults and have lower chances of survival due to not addressing issues early enough (3). So, why is this happening?
Colorectal cancer, more commonly known as colon cancer, is a disease in the rectum or colon in which the cells grow uncontrollably. It forms abnormal clumps and growths called polyps, which can eventually turn into cancer (3). If left untreated, the cancer can spread to deeper layers of the bowel wall. These polyps in either the colon or rectum may cause symptoms, but more often, they cause none at all (4). The buildup of polyps can eventually block part of the bowel, which causes constipation, diarrhea, or pain. Polyps also contain blood vessels, which can break and bleed; this can cause blood in the stool and rectal bleeding, and over time, iron deficiency anemia, causing fatigue due to the lack of oxygen in the blood (4).
Diagram of a colon polyp becoming cancerous.
The surge in colon cancer cases could be due to many factors. While scientists have not yet pinpointed a direct cause, many different theories exist. Some of the most commonly agreed-upon causes are unhealthy diets: food lacking fiber, high-fat content, high alcohol consumption, smoking, and eating processed meats. Other factors such as being overweight could also be linked to the increase, a sedentary lifestyle, a lack of exercise, microplastics, or polluted air, soil, and water (1, 2, 3). Additionally, poor judgment can occur on both sides, with both patients and doctors. Young people may dismiss symptoms or not be inclined to go to the doctor while the doctor may be dismissive of the symptoms, not taking into account the many possible diagnoses. Symptoms of colon cancer or pre-colon cancer are similar to other less concerning conditions, like irritable bowel syndrome (1).
What a polyp looks like inside the colon.
So, what can be done? How can you lower your risk of colon cancer in the future? There is still research about colon cancer and its causes that must be done, but doctors agree that changing unhealthy habits is key. It’s important to take these big changes step by step, day by day. Slowly eating healthier food, reducing processed foods, lowering alcohol use, and eating more fiber-rich foods can help reduce the risk of colon cancer (1, 2). Living a more active lifestyle may also lower the risk of getting colon cancer along with quitting or reducing smoking.
In conclusion, colon cancer is rising in young adults, but your risk can be lowered by slowly adopting a healthier lifestyle and better habits. It’s important to talk to your doctor about screening. If you exhibit any symptoms, you should speak to your doctor about them. Don’t downplay symptoms!
Bibliography:
- Rosenburg, A. (2024, March 11). Whats Behind Rising Colorectal Cancer Rates in Young Adults. City of Hope. Retrieved from https://www.cityofhope.org/whats-behind-rising-colorectal-cancer-rates-in-young-adults
- Katella, K. (2024, January 17). Colorectal Cancer: What Millennials and Gen Zers Need to Know. Yale Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/colorectal-cancer-in-young-people
- (2023, March 6). Colon cancer is on the rise in younger adults: What you should look for. UC Davis Health. Retrieved from https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/colon-cancer-is-on-the-rise-in-younger-adults-what-you-should-look-for/2023/03
- (2024, September 10). Colon Polyps. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-polyps/symptoms-causes/syc-20352875
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