Rising Rates of Colorectal and GI Cancers Among Young Adults: A Growing Global Concern
While cancer has traditionally been more common in older adults, recent global data is painting a troubling picture: a significant increase in colorectal and other gastrointestinal (GI) cancers among individuals under the age of 50.
According to the National Institutes of Health, the risk of cancer typically increases with age, with more than 1 in 100 people over 60 affected. However, younger populations are now showing a rising trend in early-onset GI cancers—especially colorectal, colon, and rectal cancers.
A recent multi-study analysis, published in The British Journal of Surgery, revealed that early-onset colorectal cancer cases in the United States rose by nearly 15% between 2010 and 2019. This alarming pattern is not limited to the U.S.; similar trends are being reported across Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world.
While the exact causes remain unclear, researchers suggest that lifestyle, environmental factors, and dietary habits may be playing a role. Interestingly, many of the affected individuals are not obese, do not have a family history of cancer, and lack other traditional risk factors.
“Although obesity is linked to a rise in early-onset colorectal cancer, many young patients don’t fit this profile,” noted Dr. Anton Bilchik, surgical oncologist and Director at Providence Saint John’s Cancer Institute.
Data also shows that those born in 1990 are twice as likely to develop colon cancer and over four times as likely to be diagnosed with rectal cancer compared to individuals born in 1950.
In a study spanning 20 European countries (2004–2016):
- Cases rose 8% among people aged 20–29
- Nearly 5% among those 30–39
- 1.6% increase in the 40–49 age group
Even more alarming are figures from the CDC’s Wonder database, reporting a:
- 333% increase in colorectal cancer among ages 15–19
- 185% increase in those aged 20–24
These numbers underscore the urgent need for greater awareness, early screening, and research into the root causes of these rising cancers among the younger population.