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 among men and women.
• While the risk of colorectal cancer typically increases after age 45, incidence rates are rising among adults under 50, making it the leading cause of cancer deaths in this younger group.
• Regular screening, recommended for adults ages 45 to 75, is crucial for prevention, as polyps can be detected and removed before becoming cancerous; earlier screening is advised for those with certain risk factors like inflammatory bowel disease or family history.
• From 2000 to 2023, colorectal cancer rates have decreased by half in adults 65 and older but have increased by 1.8 times among adults under 50, with environmental factors and diet suspected as possible contributors.
• Symptoms of colorectal cancer include changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and anemia, but many cases show no symptoms, underscoring the importance of screening for early detection.