Study Reveals Increase In Colorectal Cancer Among Children, Teens, And Young Adults
New study reveals a rise in colorectal cancer among children, teens, and young adults. Explore potential causes, symptoms, and preventive measures in this comprehensive analysis.
Author:Dexter CookeReviewer:Stefano MclaughlinJul 04, 20249.8K Shares259.2K Views
People currently studying in online family nurse practitioner programsor other medical qualifications would likely understand that instances of colorectal cancer in people over 50 years old are relatively uncommon. It is our job to let people know, however, that due to a recent study, colorectal cancer in children, teens, and young adults aged under 50 has recently been increasing.
As of yet, there is no real idea among experts as to the cause of the increased rate of this kind of cancer in younger generations, though research is exploring several prominent lifestyle facts, environmental developments, chemical exposure rates, and hereditary factors.
What Is Colorectal Cancer?
The body appears to be a single organism. We look at each other and see a person, a single physical body. However, a person is made of several trillion cells. There are many different kinds of cells, and they’re constantly reproducing in a process called “cell division,” the asexual means by which cells autonomously multiply.
When a cell is damaged, it will normally die only to be replaced by new, healthy cells. It is an intricate biological process, where the cells replicate proportionately to the number of dead cells. However, sometimes this process breaks down. For one reason or another, a cell mutates and becomes a cancer cell. The mutation in a cancer cell allows it to grow uncontrollably, ignoring the cellular balance of the patient’s body and causing it to replicate faster than the immune system can kill it if it is attacked by the immune system at all.
Colorectal cancer occurswhen these kinds of cells amass in the colon and/or rectum, two parts of the latter stages of digestion. The colon absorbs water and salt from whatever food matter is left after it is passed through the small intestine, and the resulting waste product is stored in the rectum, where it remains until excretion through the anus. When a person is suffering from colorectal cancer, it will generally start as a series of polyps, fleshy growths that occur on the inner lining of the colon, rectum, or both. Depending on whether or not the polyps are precancerous, they may spread and develop into full-fledged colorectal cancer.
How To Recognize Colorectal Cancer
As with most forms of cancer, the best tool we have against mortality from the disease is time. Precancerous colorectal polyps can take anywhere from 10-15 years to grow, and though it sounds insidious, it works tremendously in our favour, as it gives us a good long time to get a screening. To demonstrate just how important early discovery is, when colorectal cancer polyps are found before it has a chance to spread, the survival rate over 5 years sits at around 90%.
The appearance of colon cancer symptoms usually occurs relative to the cancer’s growth, and patients may not realize they have colon cancer initially. However, if any of the following persist for an extended period, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible:
- Change in bowel habits (i.e. frequent diarrhea/constipation.)
- Rectal bleeding or bloody stools.
- Excessive cramps, gas, or pain in the belly and/or gut area.
- The feeling that even after a bowel movement there are still stools.
- Weakness or tiredness.
- Weight loss without active attempts.
Rising Rates Of Colorectal Cancer
In 2023, a report by the American Cancer Society (ACS) showed that colorectal cancer was becoming a “more advanced disease”.
According to the report, people in the United States of America who were diagnosed with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) increased exponentially since the mid-2000s. Previously, around 52% of patients were diagnosed with the condition. By 2019, diagnoses had risen to 60%. The research predicted that in 2023, 153,020 people would be diagnosed with CRC and that 52,550 people would die as a result. The findings were published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicianson the first of March 2023.
However, most concerning is not merely the more aggressive rate of diagnosis, but rather the increased rate of these cancers in people under 50. Before this research, it was widely known that those most at risk of contracting CRC involved demographics over 50 years old. However, this new research found increased prevalence in children, teens, and young adults.
While factors such as diet, lifestyle, drug and alcohol use, obesity, and more are all factors in the risk of developing this cancer before the age of 50, Anton Bilchik, MD, PhD, surgical oncologist, chief of medicine, and director of the Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Program at Providence Saint John’s Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, CA has stated that there may be a component related to the excessive use of antibiotics in youth, as well as frequent inflammation of certain anatomical systems.
Should We Be Worried?
Although it can appear distressing, the proactive nature of the study and the fact that we have this information means that we’re in the perfect position to combat the situation. The U.S Preventative Services Task Forcehas recommended that people get screened earlier, reiterating the 2021 recommendation for people to start screening at around 45-49 years old, as opposed to the prior recommendation of 50-75 years.
Bilchik presents a more positive view of the research, stating that although the percentages appear alarming, the rate of cancer growth is fairly low. He said that although cancer diagnosis rates have grown by around 500-600%, in terms of actual numbers that translates to around 1-6 per million people.
Nevertheless, colorectal cancer has the second highest cancer mortality rate in America. Don’t be worried, just take heed of the research. Look after yourself and you will dramatically decrease your likelihood of developing cancer, and regular screenings as early as possible will help ensure that you have the maximum chances of survival and recovery. People with a family history of this cancer should get screened as soon as they can and as often as necessary while adapting to the lifestyle changes stipulated in the research.
Dexter Cooke
Author
Dexter Cooke is an economist, marketing strategist, and orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of experience crafting compelling narratives that resonate worldwide.
He holds a Journalism degree from Columbia University, an Economics background from Yale University, and a medical degree with a postdoctoral fellowship in orthopedic medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina.
Dexter’s insights into media, economics, and marketing shine through his prolific contributions to respected publications and advisory roles for influential organizations.
As an orthopedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive knee replacement surgery and laparoscopic procedures, Dexter prioritizes patient care above all.
Outside his professional pursuits, Dexter enjoys collecting vintage watches, studying ancient civilizations, learning about astronomy, and participating in charity runs.
Stefano Mclaughlin
Reviewer
Stefano Mclaughlin is a Psychologist focused on mental health, emotional well-being, and healthcare policy. He studied Psychology and Public Health at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, gaining a deep understanding of the intersection between mental health and public policy.
Stefano's mission is clear: he aims to destigmatize mental health discussions, improve access to mental healthcare, and promote emotional well-being for all. Drawing from personal experiences with anxiety and depression, Stefano shares real stories to make mental health topics more relatable and less intimidating.
In addition to his advocacy work, Stefano enjoys delving into books, experimenting in the kitchen, and embarking on new adventures. These hobbies fuel his creativity and inspire fresh perspectives for his advocacy work.
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