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Why Are Rates of Colon Cancer Increasing Among People Under 50?

The cells in our bodies are constantly growing, dividing and dying. If the cells that line our colon and rectum are dividing when they shouldn't, this could cause cancer.

The rate of colon cancer has decreased since the mid 2000s however, it has increased by as much as two percent per year in those under 50. This has prompted new guidelines that recommend that adults with average risk begin colorectal screening at the age of 45. But why?

Age

The risk of developing colon cancer increases as they age. According to research from the American Cancer Society, colon cancer cases and death rates are also on the rise for people who are younger than 50. In fact, those born in 1990 have double the risk of developing colon cancer and quadruple the rate of rectal cancer when compared to those born in 1950.

Researchers have been puzzled by this change, considering that the rate of colorectal cancer in those older than 50 have been declining for a number of years. This is mainly due to colonoscopies that detect polyps early on before they grow into cancerous tumors. The doctors haven't been able to pinpoint any reason for the recent rise in cases. However, they believe that the increase is due to a variety of factors, including a change of the gut microbiome and an increase in obesity among children.

Patients suffering from chronic diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases that cause chronic inflammation of the colon lining have an increased chance of developing colorectal cancer. Other risk factors include having a family history of colon cancer or polyps or smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and eating a diet that is low in fiber and high in fat. Some racial groups also have higher rates for sporadic colorectal carcinoma, including Black women who are more likely than other women to die of the disease.

Diet

Like all cancers, colon cancer is triggered by DNA mutations that cause cells to expand and divide in uncontrolled ways. Researchers aren't able to pinpoint what causes these DNA changes, but do know that certain factors can increase the risk of colon carcinoma. Weight, colon cancer diet alcohol consumption, and physical activity are all factors that could affect the risk of colon cancer.

Consuming a high-fat and high meat diet increases the chance of developing colon cancer. This includes red meats and processed meats like bacon hot dogs, hot dogs, and Deli meats. These meats are rich in iron heme that stimulates cell growth and may cause polyps that may develop into colon cancer.

The consumption of alcohol is also linked to colon cancer. Males and those born male (AMAB) are advised to limit their drinking to two drinks a day, whereas women and females born (AFAB) are advised to limit their intake to one drink per day.

Exercise can also lower the risk of colon cancer. Regular exercise lowers blood pressure and increases your body weight. It also improves the healthy bacteria in your digestive tract.

Smoking

As the number of patients diagnosed with colon cancer in their 20s and 30s continues rise, experts are trying to figure out the reason. Doctors suspect that other causes may be at play. Known risk factor like a family history of colon cancer and genetic mutation is still in existence.

One possibility is that the increase in younger cases could be linked to changes in gut microbiome. Obesity, diet, and chronic diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease can all affect the quantity of different types of colon bacteria. Some bacteria may increase a person’s cancer risk.

Antibiotics are another factor. The drugs are known to alter the balance of colon-dwelling bacteria and may cause an overgrowth of certain types of bacteria, which can increase the risk of cancer.

Researchers are trying to stop colon cancer by studying the possible causes. For example, doctors at UChicago Medicine are developing new methods to improve the effectiveness of colonoscopies, including boosting their ability to detect polyps and other indicators of early-stage colon cancer.

For most people, the best method to protect against colorectal cancer is to get regular screenings starting at age 50. People who are at greater risk, but, should consult your doctor about getting checked earlier. The signs to look for include rectal bleeding as well as changes in bowel movements and abdominal pain.

Family History

The majority of cases of colon cancer are in sporadic fashion or are not connected to genes. However, a few are hereditary. LaPook states that if have an ancestry of colorectal cancer or pre-cancerous cancers in your family, this will increase your risk. He explains that in most families, an increased risk of cancer is due to lifestyle and environment rather than genetics. However, in some instances, an increase in the risk of hereditary colon cancers could result from a particular gene mutation.

If you have a first-degree relation (parent, child or sibling) who has rectal or colon cancer, your risk is 5 to 6-percent greater than for those who do not have a history of. If a close relative was diagnosed at a young one, you're at an even higher risk.

Other risk factors along with a history of colon cancer in the family, are obesity, excessive alcohol consumption and eating red or processed meats like pepperoni, sausages and hot dogs. A lifestyle that is sedentary increases your risk. It is important to talk to your doctor for any history of colon cancer in your family. You should also be screened regularly. It's also a good idea to begin getting screened at an earlier age. Early symptoms of colon cancer include rectal bleeding, and changes in bowel habits.