While colorectal cancer is usually diagnosed among adults over 50 years of age, a new study shows that it has been on the rise among young adults and even teens and children.
Colorectal Cancer on the Rise Among the Young
According to the new study, which is set to be presented during the 2024 Digestive Disease Week, from 1999 to 2020, colorectal cancer rates went up by 185% among young adults of 20 to 24 years of age, 333% among teenagers of 15 to 19 years of age, and 500% among children of 10 to 14 years of age.
As part of the study, the authors made use of data taken from the Centers for Disease Control Wonder Database in order to examine colorectal cancer trends rate trends among individuals aged 10 to 44 from the years 1999 to 2020.
As the researchers looked into the data, they discovered changes in the rates of colorectal cancer. Among 10- to 14-year-old children, they found that the rates went up from 0.1 per 100,000 (1999) to 0.6 per 100,000 (2020). They also observed among 15- to 19-year-old teenagers that the rates reached 1.3 per 100,000 (2020) from 0.3 per 100,000 (1999). Among 20- to 24-year-old young adults, they observed a rate of 2 per 100,000 (2020), which was significantly higher than a previous rate of 0.7 per 100,000 (1999).
The scientists were also able to see a 71% increase in the cases among 30- to 34-year-old adults. They also saw a 58% increase among 35- to 39-year-old adults from the years 1999 to 2020.
Islam Mohamed, MD, the study's lead researcher and an internal medicine resident physician from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, explains that this cancer is no longer a disease faced by the elderly.
According to Anton Bilchik, MD, PhD, a surgical oncologist, director, and chief of medicine from the Gastrointestinal Hepatobiliary Program at Providence Saint John's Cancer Institute, it is crucial to be aware of things that can be done in order to prevent colon cancer from developing. Some preventive strategies include less processed food and red meat consumption, as well as regular physical activity. Bilchik also notes that antibiotic use could be a possible cause for the heightened rates of colorectal cancer among the young.
Bilchik also adds that it is crucial to pay attention when young to what is considered anti-inflammatory, such as having a balanced diet, eating fresh food, and avoiding a lifestyle that is sedentary.
The surgical oncologist also adds that if the percentage figures used in the study were translated into numbers, this would mean a difference between one to two out of one million, in comparison to six out of one million.
ALSO READ : Blood Test Shows Potential in Detecting Colorectal Cancer, Offers Screening Option With 83% Accuracy
Colorectal Cancer
Colon cancer typically involves cell growth that begins in the colon. It is sometimes referred to as colorectal cancer, which is a term that covers both colon and rectal cancer, with the latter starting in the rectum.
The condition typically starts as small cell clumps, known as polyps, that form within the colon. Generally, polyps are not cancerous. However, as time passes, it is possible for them to become colon cancers. Detection and removal of polyps could aid with colon cancer prevention.
Several treatments can aid with the control of colon cancer. These may include radiation therapy, medicines, and surgery.
RELATED ARTICLE : Regular Colonoscopy Screening Reduces the Risk of Developing Colorectal Cancer, Study Reveals
Check out more news and information on Medicine & Health in Science Times.
