The death of Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman in 2020 brought about a huge increase in awareness of colorectal cancer, a cancer that starts in the rectum or the colon. Increasing awareness is very important given that in early 2024 the American Cancer Society reported that colorectal cancer has become the leading cause of cancer deaths in men and the second leading cause in women. In the past, the age group most at risk were people over age 50. However, since the 1990s, colorectal cancer cases have been increasing in people under 50 and decreasing in people over 50.
Colorectal cancer is very curable if it is found early. An important tool for early detection is a “colonoscopy,” which is a procedure that allows your healthcare provider check the inside of your large intestine for signs of cancer. Routine colonoscopies have helped lower colorectal cancer rates in adults by catching it early enabling the discovery and removal of precancerous polyps.
Who is affected?
The biggest increase in cases has been among Alaska Native, American Indian, and white people under 50. Cases have tripled among 15- to 19-year-olds and nearly doubled among 20- to 24-year-olds. Historically Black men and women have a higher risk of colon cancer at younger ages (called “early-onset”cases) so had earlier been advised to start colonoscopy screenings at 45 years old instead of 50 — the recommended age for the general population. However, the increase in cases among white people has caused the average age of people with colon cancer to drop. In 2021, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended that everyone start colorectal cancer screenings at age 45 to address this rise in early onset cases. Regular screening visits advised by your doctor should continue until age 75.
Why the Increase?
Doctors and researchers haven’t found the exact causes of early-onset colorectal cancer, but they think changing habits among younger generations, diet, and environmental factors might be behind the increase in cases. Colorectal cancer is more common in people who:
- Have sedentary lifestyles
- Are obese
- Smoke
- Drink heavily
- Eat poor diets
Other things that can influence the risk of developing colorectal cancer include:
- Eating late can increase your risks by changing the the body’s natural rhythms and hormonal cycles.
- Environmental factors like air and water pollution and chemicals in soil and food can increase the risk of cancer. These chemicals also can disrupt the body’s natural systems, leading to poor health and conditions like obesity — factors that are linked with the cancer.
- Living in a “food desert” or a “food swamp” can lead to a poor diet. These are areas that lack access to healthy food choices or are flooded with unhealthy food choices like fast food restaurants.
- Your genes may play a role, and this potential factor is under study by scientists.
Want to Reduce Your Risks?
- Avoid smoking
- Drink in moderation
- Exercise
- Eat a healthy diet and including fiber
- Plan to start colorectal screening as recommended by age 45.
- See your doctor if you experience rectal bleeding, unusual stools, or changes in bowel movements.
Future research is looking to improve treatment therapies. Current screening tests look for specific signs made by colorectal cancers or polyps, and better understanding these indicators could lead to new, less invasive tests for young people.
Sources:
ACS Medical Content and News Staff. (2020, September 3). Colorectal Cancer Rates Higher in African Americans, Rising in Younger People. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/latest-news/colorectal-cancer-rates-higher-in-african-americans-rising-in-younger-people.html
Katella, K. (2024, January 17). Colorectal Cancer: What Millennials and Gen Zers Need to Know. Yale Medicine. https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/colorectal-cancer-in-young-people
McNamara, D. (2024, May 15). Behind the Spike in Colorectal Cancer Among Young Americans. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/news/20240515/behind-the-spike-in-colorectal-cancer-cases
McNamara, D. (2024, May 23). Late Eating Linked to Higher Risk for Colorectal Cancer. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/news/20240523/late-eating-linked-to-higher-risk-for-colorectal-cancer
NCI Staff. (2020, November 5). Why Is Colorectal Cancer Rising Rapidly among Young Adults? National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2020/colorectal-cancer-rising-younger-adults
Sánchez, V. G. (2022, July 19). Black-owned stores work to end D.C.’s food deserts. Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/07/07/dc-food-deserts-anacostia/