Why is colorectal cancer increasing rapidly in young adults?

Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and women in the United States and the third leading cause of cancer-related death in both men and women, and is the second leading cause of death from cancer. when the numbers of males and females are combined. It is expected to cause approximately 52,550 deaths in 2023.

The death rate from colorectal cancer in the elderly has been declining for both men and women for several decades, due to regular colonoscopies and declining smoking rates. However, since the 1990s, the rate of colorectal cancer has steadily increased in adults under the age of 50. In addition, more and more younger people are dying from the disease. The American Cancer Society reports that people born in 1990 have a double risk of colon cancer and a quadruple risk of rectal cancer than people born in 1950.

Nobody knows for sure why the number of colorectal cancers is increasing in young people. Sedentary lifestyle, overweight and obesity, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, low fiber and high fat diets or diets high in processed meats and other environmental factors have all been associated with disease.

Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer, is a disease in which cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control. The colon is the large intestine or large intestine. The rectum is the passage that connects the colon to the anus.

New research shows that obesity may contribute to rising rates of colorectal cancer in young Americans. According to the National Cancer Institute, colorectal cancer is 1.3 times more likely in obese people.

“We know that excess body fat increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer,” says Dr. Joel Levine, Co-Director and Founding Director, Colon Cancer Prevention Program at the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center at UConn Health. “Excess weight increases insulin and related hormones in the blood that can promote cancer growth. In addition, excess fat can create an environment conducive to inflammation. It can also contribute to growth cancer.

To reduce your risk of colon cancer, follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Most discussion of the likely causes of early-onset disease has focused on three interrelated factors: diet, bacteria in the gut, and inflammation. There is a growing body of evidence linking an unhealthy diet high in processed meat and fat and low in fruits and vegetables to early colorectal cancer.

Other scientists have focused on the bacteria that live in the gut, also called the gut microbiome. Certain types of bacteria have been labeled as accomplices in the growth and spread of colorectal cancer, and some may affect the effectiveness of certain cancer treatments.

Changes in the gut microbiome may influence rising rates of colorectal cancer in adults under 50. Studies have shown that diet, obesity, exercise, and certain medications (like antibiotics) can all change the number and types of bacteria in our gut.

In addition, certain chronic diseases, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, with long-term low-grade superficial inflammation may increase cancer risk.

As scientists continue to investigate why cases of colorectal cancer continue to rise in young adults, it’s important to know what symptoms to look out for. Unfortunately, many people with colon cancer may only show symptoms at an advanced stage of the disease.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer can include:

• Changes in bowel habits or the character of stools that last more than a few days, such as constipation and diarrhea.
• Rectal bleeding (bright red blood)
• Blood in stool
• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Unintentional weight loss
• Tiredness and weakness
• Persistent feeling that you need to have a bowel movement, even after using the toilet.

Although the root causes of the increase in colorectal cancer in young adults remain unknown, it is important to know your family history of colon cancer, have regular medical checkups, exercise and avoid smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol to excess.

Another key step in reducing your risk for colorectal cancer is understanding the screening process, including when to start and what options are available.

Current ACS guidelines recommend that people at average risk for colorectal cancer begin screening at age 45. If you have additional risk factors, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), polyps, a history of abdominal radiation therapy for cancer, certain hereditary syndromes, or a family history of colorectal cancer or certain polyps, you will need to maybe get screened earlier or more often.

Colorectal cancer develops from polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening tests can also detect colorectal cancer early when treatment works best.

A colonoscopy isn’t the only option for identifying colon cancer, stool-based tests are also available, and your doctor can determine which is best for you.

Colon cancer prevention is not unique. There are many different factors that can increase your chances of developing colon cancer. For this reason, UConn Health colon cancer prevention experts

The program will help you understand your individual risk of developing colon cancer and develop a colon cancer prevention plan specifically tailored to your lifestyle, family history and other factors. The program also offers ongoing support, training, and the benefits of today’s latest research advances.