Colon cancer deaths are higher among less-educated young adults

Key Points:

• A new study published in JAMA Oncology reveals that the rise in colorectal cancer deaths among younger adults over the past 30 years is concentrated almost entirely in individuals without a four-year college degree, suggesting socioeconomic factors play a significant role.
• Researchers analyzed data from over 101,000 adults aged 25 to 49 who died from colorectal cancer between 1994 and 2023, finding death rates increased from 4 to 5.2 per 100,000 among those with only a high school education, while rates remained stable at 2.7 per 100,000 for those with at least a bachelor's degree.
• Experts emphasize that education level is a proxy for other risk factors such as lower income, poorer diet, less exercise, and reduced access to medical care, all of which may contribute to the increased mortality in less educated populations.
• The American Cancer Society highlights the importance of public awareness and adherence to screening guidelines, which were updated in 2021 to recommend colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45 due to rising mortality rates in younger adults.
• Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the U.S., with over 158,000 cases expected this year and more than 55,000 deaths projected in 2026; mortality rates in adults under 50 have been increasing by 1.1% annually since 2005, making it the deadliest cancer in that age group.