Colon cancer deaths rise as patients get younger

Key Points:

• Colon cancer is now the second-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., with an estimated 55,230 deaths expected this year, and it is the fourth most common cancer among men and women.
• While the risk of colorectal cancer increases after age 45, rates are rising among people younger than 50, making it the leading cause of cancer deaths in this younger age group.
• Regular screening, recommended for adults aged 45 to 75, can prevent colon cancer by detecting and removing polyps before they become cancerous; earlier screening is advised for those with certain risk factors.
• The incidence rate of colorectal cancer has decreased among adults 65 and older but has increased 1.8 times among adults under 50 since 2000, with environmental factors and diet suspected as contributing causes.
• Symptoms of colorectal cancer can include changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and anemia, but many cases are asymptomatic, underscoring the importance of regular screening.