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 is the fourth most common cancer for both men and women.
• Rates of colorectal cancer are rising among people under 50, despite screening recommendations targeting adults ages 45 to 75, making it the leading cause of cancer deaths in younger adults.
• Regular screening methods such as stool tests, sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy can detect and remove polyps before they become cancerous, significantly preventing colorectal cancer.
• Experts suggest environmental factors, including diet, food processing, and possible exposure to microplastics, may contribute to the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer in younger populations.
• Symptoms 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.