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Colon cancer deaths rise as patients get younger
WCVB • • health
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.
- The disease typically affects those aged 45 and older, but rates are rising among adults under 50, making it the leading cause of cancer deaths in this younger group.
- Regular screening, recommended for adults aged 45 to 75, is crucial for prevention, as it can detect and allow removal of polyps before they become cancerous; earlier screening is advised for those with certain risk factors.
- Incidence rates have decreased significantly among adults 65 and older but have increased 1.8 times among adults under 50 since 2000, with environmental factors and diet suspected contributors to this rise.
- 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, highlighting the importance of regular screening.
