Why Colorectal Cancer is Prevalent in Younger Adults
New statistics from the American Cancer Society has revealed that colorectal cancer incidences in younger adults are increasing.
There has been a rapid decline in colorectal cancer incidence in people aged 65 and above and a 1% annual increase in incidence in those aged between 50 and 64 years. However, in people below the age of 50 years, the incidence has shown a 2% increase every year.
The death rates from colorectal cancer in people aged 65 years and above declined by 3% annually from 2008 to 2017, while the annual decline in those aged 50 – 64 years was 0.6%. But in individuals younger than 50 years, there was a 1.3% yearly increase.
The incidence of colorectal cancer in younger people is rapidly increasing and raising concerns. Researchers and doctors are doubling their efforts to handle this problem by partnering with patients to help address their unique needs. Focused research is also ongoing to help identify people at high risk for colorectal cancer and develop novel treatment strategies that will help curb the disease.
Researchers think that the high rate of colorectal cancer incidences in the younger generation is driven by environmental risk factors such as lifestyle, dietary, and exposure trends. This is because young people are consuming low-fiber diets and more processed foods, including processed meats and red meat.
Colorectal cancer is very sensitive to diet, and there are ways obesity can fuel tumor growth by increasing the fat reservoirs near a tumor. Obesity can also make one susceptible to hormonal changes such as increased estrogen and insulin and raise the rate of cell growth. Such conditions can also cause systemic inflammation of body tissue and release cytokines that spur the growth of tumors.
Until now, there’s little scientific data about colorectal cancer in people under 50 years.
That’s why scientists are working on ways of reducing colorectal cancer incidence and mortality by creating awareness and the importance of screening.