Colon Cancer is Now the Leading Cause of Cancer Death in People Under 50

Colon Cancer is Now the Leading Cause of Cancer Death in People Under 50 Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths among people under 50 in the US, a study in the Journal of the American

Medical Association reports. While overall cancer deaths in younger adults have declined, colorectal cancer deaths have risen steadily since 2005, driven largely by lifestyle-related risk factors. Colon, or colorectal cancer, is now the leading cause of cancer deaths among people younger than 50 in the United States, said a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The death rates in this deadly cancer in that age group have climbed by 1 per cent every year since 2005 – a stark contrast with the larger trend, across the world. Researchers said the overall cancer death rates in those younger than 50 years have dropped by 44 per cent since 1990. And of the five most common causes of cancer-related death in people younger than 50, colorectal cancer deaths were the only ones to increase. “It is absolutely an outlier,” said Rebecca Siegel, senior scientific director of surveillance research at the American Cancer Society, who led the study. Seigel also said even though most of the colorectal cancer cases still occur in those who are older than 50 years, those diagnosed with the disease in their 20s, 30s, or 40s have been climbing significantly and dramatically over the last few decades. According to the study, colon cancer deaths would soon take the No. 1 spot for cancer deaths in people under 50 by 2030. It claimed that spot seven years sooner than expected, in 2023, the new study found. Statistics provided by Siegel, quoting the National Cancer Institute data, say nearly 1.3 million people younger than 50 died of cancer from 1990 through 2023. In the early 90s, colorectal cancer was the fifth-leading cause of cancer deaths in people younger than 50.

Why is there a rise in colon cancer cases in youngsters?

Experts say colon cancer cases are rising primarily due to lifestyle factors, including diets high in processed foods and sugar, low fibre intake, sedentary behaviour, and obesity. Other contributing factors include changes in gut bacteria, smoking, alcohol consumption, and increased antibiotic use, which may trigger early DNA damage. Increased consumption of processed meats, refined sugars, and high-fat, industrial diets has altered the gut microbiome, which may contribute to tumour growth. Also, sedentary behaviour and high obesity rates are key drivers of the increased incidence in adults under 50. Changes in gut flora (microbiome) and environmental exposures to toxins/pollutants may increase cancer risk.Also read: What Are Silent Cancers? Why Are They Often Diagnosed Too Late

What is colon cancer?

Colon cancer is cancer that starts in polyps on the inner lining of your colon and the rectum. Colon cancer is a type of cancer that can affect your colon or your rectum in your large intestine. Polyps in your colon can become cancerous, which grow from your colon’s inner lining to spread to other areas of your body. Doctors do tests like colonoscopies that can detect colon polyps before they become cancerous. The tests also detect cancerous colon polyps. Colon cancer is a serious condition. But removing precancerous polyps can stop colon cancer before it starts. An early diagnosis and treatment to remove cancerous polyps may cure the disease.

Signs and symptoms of colon cancer

Colon cancer develops slowly, and it takes around ten years for a precancerous polyp to turn into a cancerous polyp that may cause symptoms. When symptoms appear, they may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloated stomach
• Blood on or in your stool
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Feeling like there’s still poop in your bowel even after you go to the bathroom
• Feeling tired or weak
• Unexplained weight loss

Common conditions, like stomach flu or food poisoning, can make your gut hurt and cause constipation and diarrhoea. Having them doesn’t mean you have colon cancer. But talk to a healthcare provider if these issues last for more than a few days. And don’t hesitate to talk to a provider if you spot blood in your stool, lose weight without trying, or feel tired, no matter how much rest you get.