Why Colorectal Cancer Incidence Is on the Rise among the Youth

Only about 5% of colorectal cancers are hereditary. Most of these cancers develop in people with no family history or known genetic dispositions. The rise in colon cancer among young people is alarming, and various theories have come up for the causes, including the sedentary lifestyles they live and gut microbiome changes.

There was evidence earlier in the year linking colon cancer risk to prolonged time spent watching television while seated. Other known risk factors include heavy alcohol consumption and smoking.

The increase in colorectal cancer in young adults within a short span of time is highly attributed to environmental factors, which include exposure trends and lifestyle. Some scientists think it’s due to diet-related changes where young people eat more processed foods and less fiber.

Obesity in the younger generation is rising too, contributing to high colorectal cancer incidences. Colon cancer is highly sensitive to diet.

Getting a colonoscopy or any other screening technique can enable doctors to detect the disease early and treat it. The American Cancer Society has revised screening recommendations from age 50 to 45, and this can be adjusted even further if this rising trend continues.

Colon cancer stems from benign polyps, which can be fueled into cancer by sugar if consumed in excess.

Apart from early screening and diagnosis, awareness should be created in young adults to help them understand ways of preventing the risks of developing the disease. Many young adults probably fear undergoing colonoscopy, which is an invasive procedure.

But there are plenty of other screening procedures they can opt for. Some are not even aware of symptoms like rectal bleeding, which can signify colon cancer.

It’s essential to sensitize young adults on the symptoms of colorectal cancer to help them listen to their bodies and get checked immediately if they experience the signs.