Colorectal cancer cases among adults ages 20-49 is increasing, according to a report released by the American Cancer Society. Colorectal cancer in this younger age group is estimated to become the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States by 2030.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the United States. It starts as a polyp, or an abnormal growth, in the large intestine, which over time may become cancerous and potentially spread to other parts of the body.
In a study published by the American Cancer Society in March, researchers estimated that in 2023, 153,000 people in the United States would be diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Of those cases, about 13 percent would be among people under 50 — representing a 9 percent increase in cases in this age group since 2020.
Risk Factors
Unhealthy Diet
Excess body weight, lack of physical activity, high consumption of processed meat and red meat and very high alcohol consumption seem to be associated with early-onset of colorectal cancer for younger adults as well as older adults, according to Rebecca Siegel, a cancer epidemiologist and senior scientific director of surveillance research at the American Cancer Society.
Obesity
Several studies have found that being overweight or obese may raise someone’s chance of getting early-onset colorectal cancer.
Binge drinking — typically defined as five or more drinks for men in about two hours, and four or more for women — has also been suggested as a possible driver. The practice has steadily been increasing among adults 30 and under for decades.
Sugary beverage consumption which rose among teenagers in the 1980s and 1990s, has been linked with an increased risk of early occurrences of the condition.
A study published in 2021 found that women who drank more than two sugary drinks per day had more than double the risk of early onset colorectal cancer, compared to women who drank less than one drink.
Practices to Reduce Your Risk
Follow a healthy diet. Diets high in processed meats (like hot dogs, bacon and some lunch meats) or red meats (like beef, pork and lamb) have been shown to increase the risk of colorectal cancer; those rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains have been shown to be protective.
Quit smoking. More than 70 chemicals in cigarettes are known to increase the risk of cancer by damaging the DNA inside our cells. Helpful tips for quitting are provided at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Stay active. In one study of nearly 90,000 female nurses published in 2018, researchers found that those who were sedentary and watched TV more than 14 hours per week were significantly more likely to develop early-onset colorectal cancer than those who watched TV for less than seven hours per week. Federal guidelines recommend that every week, most adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (such as cycling, swimming or gardening) and two days of muscle-strengthening activities (such as lifting weights or push-ups).
Cut back on alcohol. Excessive alcohol drinking (such as 14 or more drinks per week, according to one study published in 2012) can increase the risk of developing early-onset colorectal cancer. Federal guidelines recommend limiting your intake to no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men.
Maintain a healthy weight. Researchers have found that those who have a B.M.I. under 25 are at lower risk of developing early-onset colorectal cancer. If you’ve been struggling with your weight, it’s worth chatting with your doctor.
