Colorectal cancer cases rising among younger adults but timely screening can save lives 

Colorectal cancer, long considered a disease of older adults, is now the leading cause of cancer-related death among Americans under age 50. Cancer deaths in people under 50 have dropped by 44% over the past three decades, except for colorectal cancer – which is the only major cancer with a rising death rate in this age group, largely driven by later-stage diagnoses and low screening rates. 

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Colorectal cancer often begins as precancerous polyps, which usually cause no symptoms. Regular screening can prevent colorectal cancer entirely by detecting and removing polyps before they become cancerous. 

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and Houston Methodist urges adults of all ages to talk with a doctor if they experience: 

▪ Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding 

▪ Persistent abdominal pain or cramping 

▪ Unexplained weight loss 

▪ Changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation 

▪ Iron-deficiency anemia or chronic fatigue 

“We are seeing colorectal cancer diagnosed at younger ages with rising frequency,” Dr. Deigo Marines, colon and rectal surgeon at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital said. “Paying attention to symptoms like rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits — and discussing risk factors with your physician — can lead to earlier detection and better outcomes.” 

Most people should begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45, five years earlier than the previous standard. People with a family history or other risk factors may need to be screened earlier. 

Colorectal risk factors include: 

▪ Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis 

▪ Family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps 

▪ Genetic syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome) 

▪ Lifestyle factors including lack of regular physical activity, a low-fiber and high-fat diet, a diet high in processed meats, obesity, and alcohol and tobacco use 

“Colon and rectal cancers are currently the fourth most common cause of cancer – and the second most common cause of cancer death – in both men and women,” Dr. Charles Meade, advanced gastroenterologist at Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital said. “Timely colon and rectal cancer screening is effective in reducing risk of a cancer diagnosis and can save your life. Unfortunately, in an average year, about 40% of screening-eligible adults are not screened or are behind on their screening. This March, if you are age 45 or older, or have a family history of colon cancer in your immediate family, ask your primary care provider or gastroenterologist about your screening and help us keep you up to date!” 

Did You Know? 

▪ Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the U.S. among men and women combined. 

▪ Nearly 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year; about 50,000 die annually from the disease. 

▪ 1 in 24 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetime. 

▪ More than 1.5 million Americans are colorectal cancer survivors. 

As part of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Houston Methodist is committed to prevention, early detection and innovative treatment, empowering patients to recognize symptoms, understand their risk and take action through timely screening. 

For more information, visit: houstonmethodist.org/cancer/colorectal-cancer. 

Source: Houston Methodist

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