Colorectal Cancer: Not Just An Aging Population’s Disease

Did you know colorectal and rectal cancer rates are rising dramatically among the young and dropping among older Americans? 

Two forms of cancer normally associated with older Americans are occurring more frequently in younger people, according to a new study recently reported on in the Washington Post.

The long-term study conducted by the American Cancer Society found that colon cancer rates increased one to two percent each year for people in their 20s and 30s from the mid-1980s through 2013.

Rates of rectal cancer increased even faster, rising at about 3 percent a year for people in their 20s and 30s. Rectal cancer rates also went up for people ages 40-54.

The increase happened at the same time colorectal and rectal cancer dropped for adults ages 55 and older. This change means that three in 10 new cases of rectal cancer are now diagnosed in patients younger than age 55.

While researchers indicated they were shocked by the rapid increase, the odds of getting colon or rectal cancer at a young age remain very low. The disease is diagnosed in just 1 in 100,000 people in their 20s compared to about 50 in 100,000 people in their early 60s, according to study statistics.

What to look for

Colorectal cancer affects the intestines when growths, known as polyps, begin to appear on the colon or rectum that can later develop into cancer.  One of the biggest colorectal cancer warning signs is blood in the stool; many who have been diagnosed have reported this as one of their first signs.

Other symptoms include change in bowel habits, constipation, excessive amounts of gas, changes in stool consistency, pain in the lower abdomen and excessive weight loss.

Treatment includes minimally invasive surgery to remove the polyps, radiation and chemotherapy.

Screening guidelines

The higher incidence of colorectal and rectal cancers in younger people has sparked discussions about new screening guidelines. Current guidelines call for colonoscopies or other tests beginning at age 50 for a person with average risk but earlier screening for people with a family history of cancer. Some of those recommendations are under review to see if screening should start earlier.

The Genesee Health Plan will continue to monitor research and the latest on this topic and keep members apprised of any changes in the screening guidelines. At Genesee Health Plan we are committed to providing the tools and resources to keep you informed and healthy. We encourage adults to begin their screening process of colorectal cancer at an early age, as a way to start early diagnosis and save lives, especially for those whose families have a history of cancer where early detection is key.

To learn more about colorectal cancer, you can also listen to our latest GHP Healthy Minute featuring GHP Director of Outreach, E. Yvonne Lewis with special guest and Colorectal Cancer Surgeon, Dr. Mark Mattingly on the Michael J. Thorpe SUPERTALK 1570 radio show. Listen to the March 21 interview here.

For more information on colorectal cancer, visit cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer.html.