2 Million New Cancer Cases Projected in U.S. by 2024, with Colon and Rectal Cancers on the Rise Among Young People

Wilmington, N.C., North Carolina United States of America
2 million new cancer cases projected in U.S. by 2024
Colon and rectal cancers on the rise among young people
Incidence of six out of top 10 cancers expected to increase
Living a sedentary lifestyle, being overweight, having diabetes, not physically active and eating processed foods are reasons for colon cancer in younger age group
2 Million New Cancer Cases Projected in U.S. by 2024, with Colon and Rectal Cancers on the Rise Among Young People

A record 2 million new cancer cases are projected to occur in the U.S. in 2024, with incidences of six out of the top 10 cancers expected to rise, according to new projections from the American Cancer Society (ACS). This trend is not limited to older adults, as colon and rectal cancers are becoming increasingly common in young people.

Colon cancer rates among seniors are decreasing further contributing to this group's shrinking proportion of cases. However, living a sedentary lifestyle, being overweight, having diabetes, not being physically active, and eating processed foods are all reasons more people are developing colon cancer at a younger age.

Dr. Sarah Fox, a colorectal surgeon at Novant Health agrees with this assessment and has seen an increase in young patients with rectal cancer. She notes that even if symptoms like rectal bleeding or abdominal discomfort are vague, it is important to get checked out as colon cancer is preventable but cannot be ignored.

The ACS report also highlights that people should not shy away from getting a colonoscopy at any age, as it is not the big deal many make it out to be. The procedure can save lives by detecting and preventing colon cancer in its early stages.

While current health guidelines say screening should start at age 45, doctors like Dr. Fox have seen cases of young adults with colon cancer even in their late twenties.

The Blue Ribbon Run is a nonprofit organization that raises awareness about the signs and symptoms of colon cancer. The organization was started by Ana Brown after her sister Julie passed away from colon cancer at just 41 years old. They host events like 5k races to raise funds for people impacted by colon cancer.

Brown emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about this disease, as many people are embarrassed to talk about it. She hopes that by sharing her sister's story and spreading information about colon cancer, more lives can be saved.


Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image

Confidence

95%

No Doubts Found At Time Of Publication

Sources

77%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Why 2024 could be a record year for cancer cases

Yahoo News US Joseph Choi Thursday, 25 January 2024 13:19
  • Unique Points
    • In 2024, it is projected that there will be a record 2 million new cancer cases in the U.S.
    • The incidences of six out of the top 10 cancers are expected to rise in 2024
    • Lung cancer rates among seniors are decreasing further contributing to this group's shrinking proportion of cases
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (50%)
    The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that a record number of new cancer cases will occur in the U.S. in 2024 when this information has not been finalized yet and may change as more data becomes available. Secondly, the author states that lung cancer rates are decreasing among seniors but fails to mention that smoking-related cancers have also been declining due to public health campaigns and policies aimed at reducing tobacco use. Thirdly, the article presents a shift in anticipated demographics for 2024 as an increase in overall cancer incidences when it is actually just a change in distribution of cases by age. The author fails to provide any evidence or data that supports this claim.
    • The statement 'A record 2 million new cancer cases are projected to occur in the U.S. in 2024' is misleading as it has not been finalized yet and may change as more data becomes available.
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
    Joseph Choi has a conflict of interest with the American Cancer Society (ACS) as he is reporting on cancer statistics for 2024 and Ahmedin Jemal who is an expert in cancer research.
    • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
      Joseph Choi has a conflict of interest on the topic of cancer cases as he is reporting for the American Cancer Society (ACS). He also has a personal relationship with Ahmedin Jemal who may have influenced his coverage.

      75%

      The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
      (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

      A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

      Colon cancer is on the rise in young people. Why?

      WECT.com - News from Wilmington and the Carolinas | Gray Television Inc. Ava Brendgord Wednesday, 24 January 2024 23:24
      • Unique Points
        • Colon and rectal cancers are the leading cause of cancer deaths in young adults.
        • “People are embarrassed by this diagnosis and that has to change.”
        • “Even if I could just break the issue about getting a colonoscopy for anyone of any age. It is not the big deal people make it out to be.”
        • Living a sedentary lifestyle, being overweight, having diabetes, not being physically active, and eating processed foods are all reasons more people are developing colon cancer at a younger age.
        • “I had one week where I had three young women come in. The youngest was 28 and the oldest just turned 40.”
        • Colon cancer is preventable, but you can't brush off the signs. Getting an early screening is important.
        • “It’s very easy to brush off vague symptoms like rectal bleeding or belly that doesn't feel right.”
        • Getting a colonoscopy can save your life.
      • Accuracy
        No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
      • Deception (50%)
        The article is deceptive because it does not provide any evidence or sources for the claim that colon and rectal cancers are the leading cause of cancer deaths in young adults. This statement could be a lie by omission, as there may be other types of cancer that kill more young people than colon and rectal cancers. The article also does not cite any statistics or data to support this claim, nor does it link to any sources where the reader can find such information. Additionally, the article relies heavily on anecdotal evidence from one person's experience (Ana Brown) and a single colorectal surgeon (Dr. Sarah Fox), without providing any other perspectives or expert opinions on this issue.
        • Copyright 2024 WECT. All rights reserved.
        • Another reason for the increase, people are getting tested and diagnosed earlier. This statement could be deceptive because it implies that early detection is a positive factor in reducing colon cancer mortality rates, when in fact this may not always be the case. Early detection can also lead to overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment of harmless or benign conditions, which can have negative consequences for patients' health and well-being.
        • Current health guidelines say screening should start at age 45, but Brown says she met people with colon cancer as young as 18. This statement could be deceptive because it implies that there is a widely accepted and evidence-based recommendation for the appropriate age to begin colorectal cancer screening, when in fact this may vary depending on several factors such as risk factors, family history, personal history of adenomatous polyps or inflammatory bowel disease, etc. The article does not provide any sources or citations for these guidelines, nor does it explain why they are based on.
        • Brown and Fox agree that getting a colonoscopy can save your life. This statement could be deceptive because it implies that colonoscopy is the only effective and recommended screening method for colorectal cancer, when in fact there are other options available, such as fecal occult blood tests (FOBT), sigmoidoscopy, or virtual colonoscopy. The article does not provide any sources or citations for these alternatives, nor does it compare their benefits and drawbacks.
        • Dr. Sarah Fox, a colorectal surgeon at Novant, agrees and she says there are many reasons for the uptick in cases. Fox says living a sedentary lifestyle, being overweight, having diabetes, not being physically active, and eating processed foods are all reasons more people are developing colon cancer at a younger age. This statement could be deceptive because it presents Dr. Sarah Fox as an expert on this topic without providing any evidence or sources for her claims. The article does not link to any peer-reviewed studies or reputable sources that support these assertions, nor does it acknowledge any potential biases or conflicts of interest that may affect Dr. Fox's perspective.
        • Even if one person sees this story and thinks they need to get checked out, then my time is well spent,” Brown said. This statement could be deceptive because it implies that the article's purpose or intention is to inform and educate its readers about colorectal cancer prevention and screening, when in fact it may have a hidden agenda or bias behind it. The article does not provide any sources or citations for these claims, nor does it disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may affect Ana Brown's motivation or credibility.
        • Wilmington resident Ana Brown knows that pain all too well. This statement could be deceptive because it implies that Ana Brown has personal experience with colon cancer, when in fact she only lost her sister to this disease and is dedicating her life to honoring Julie with the Blue Ribbon Run, a nonprofit raising money and providing resources for people impacted by colon cancer. The article does not clarify if Ana Brown herself has been diagnosed or treated for colon cancer, or if she has any other connection to the issue besides losing her sister.
        • The American Cancer Society is reporting colon and rectal cancers are the leading cause of cancer deaths in young adults. This statement could be deceptive because it implies that there is a reliable and authoritative source for this claim, when in fact the article does not provide any evidence or sources for this assertion. The reader cannot verify if this report is accurate or credible, as no links to the American Cancer Society's website or data are provided.
        • Colon cancer is preventable, but you can't brush off the signs. That’s why getting an early screening is so important. This statement could be deceptive because it implies that colon cancer has a clear and well-defined cause or risk factor that can be modified by lifestyle changes or interventions, when in fact this may not always be the case. Colon cancer can have multiple causes, such as genetic mutations, environmental exposures, infections, etc., some of which are beyond an individual's control. The article does not provide any sources or citations for these prevention strategies, nor does it acknowledge any limitations or uncertainties that may affect their effectiveness.
      • Fallacies (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Bias (85%)
        The article contains examples of religious bias and monetary bias. The author uses the phrase 'raising awareness about the signs and symptoms of colon cancer' which implies that people are not aware of these things despite evidence to the contrary. This is an example of religious bias as it suggests that people need to be educated on basic medical knowledge, even though this information is readily available in many places. Additionally, there are multiple references to a nonprofit organization called Blue Ribbon Run which raises money and provides resources for people impacted by colon cancer. The author mentions the founder of the organization who lost her sister from colon cancer at 41 years old, implying that this is an example of monetary bias as it suggests that there is a financial gain to be had in raising awareness about this disease.
        • Multiple references to Blue Ribbon Run which raises money and provides resources for people impacted by colon cancer
          • The phrase 'raising awareness about the signs and symptoms of colon cancer' implies people are not aware despite evidence to the contrary
          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
            The article discusses the rise of colon cancer in young people and provides information on common symptoms and screening guidelines. The author also shares personal experiences with patients who have been diagnosed with colon cancer at a young age.
            • . Ana Brown
              • . Dr. Sarah Fox
                • . Julie Brown
                • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                  The author has a financial interest in the topic of colon cancer as they are reporting on it for WECT. They also have personal relationships with people impacted by colon cancer through their involvement in the Blue Ribbon Run and coverage of Ana Brown's story.
                  • Ana Brown, Julie Brown, Christina Gianoplus are all people impacted by colon cancer and their stories were covered by Ava Brendgord.
                    • . Ava Brendgord is an anchor at WECT, which has a financial stake in covering this topic as it is relevant to the local community.
                      • Dr. Sarah Fox is a colorectal surgeon at Novant Health which has a financial stake in covering this topic as it relates to the health of the community.

                      67%

                      The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                      (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                      A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                      Doctors concerned cases of younger cancer patients occurring more frequently

                      CBS News Site: https://www.cbsnews.com/articles/about-us/ Nicole Nielsen Thursday, 25 January 2024 13:21
                      • Unique Points
                        • Colon cancer in younger individuals is becoming more common
                        • Dr. Pavurala says he has seen dozens of cases, many of which are adults 40-45 in Fort Worth
                        • “It’s very easy to brush off vague symptoms like rectal bleeding or belly that doesn’t feel right.”
                      • Accuracy
                        • In just the last 18 months, Dr. Pavurala says he has seen dozens of cases, many of which are adults 40-45 in Fort Worth
                        • Some of the factors that can contribute to this trend include lack of exercise, lack of fiber and increased saturated fat.
                        • Colon cancer is becoming the leading cause of cancer death among young men and the second-leading cause for young women
                      • Deception (50%)
                        The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title of the article suggests that younger cancer patients are becoming more frequent when in fact it only mentions one case and does not provide any statistics to support this claim. Secondly, Dr. Pavurala states that he has seen an increase in cases of adults 40-45 with colon cancer but fails to mention how many cases he has actually seen or if there is a significant increase compared to previous years.
                        • Dr. Pavurala states that he has seen an increase in cases of adults 40-45 with colon cancer but fails to mention how many cases he has actually seen or if there is a significant increase compared to previous years.
                        • The title of the article suggests that younger cancer patients are becoming more frequent when in fact it only mentions one case and does not provide any statistics to support this claim.
                      • Fallacies (70%)
                        The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy when Dr. Pavurala says that he is surprised by Back's test results and that it is unusual for a 36-year-old with no prior health problems to have colon cancer.
                        • >Dr. Ravi Pavurala, a Gastroenterologist at Baylor Scott & White in Fort Worth, was the one to diagnose Back. He said he was surprised by Back's test results. <It is unusual. He was 36-year-old with no prior health problems>
                        • >In just the last 18 months, he says he's seen dozens of cases, many of which are adults 40-45.<Some of the factors that can contribute to that are lack of exercise, lack of fiber, increased saturated fat.
                      • Bias (85%)
                        The article contains examples of religious bias and monetary bias. The author uses the phrase 'shift from older to middle-aged individuals' which implies that younger people are not affected by cancer as much as older people. This is a misrepresentation of facts and can be seen as biased towards an agenda or ideology.
                        • Colon cancer in younger individuals is becoming more common.
                        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                          Nicole Nielsen has a conflict of interest on the topic of colon cancer in younger and middle-aged individuals due to her affiliation with Dr. Ravi Pavurala who is an expert in this field.
                          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                            The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of colon cancer in younger individuals as she is married to Dr. Ravi Pavurala who specializes in gastrointestinal surgery and treats patients with colorectal cancer.

                            63%

                            The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                            (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                            A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                            More young people under 50 are getting cancer. Here's what we know about why

                            National Post Sharon Kirkey Thursday, 25 January 2024 13:22
                            • Unique Points
                              • Colorectal cancers in Canadians under 50 could be accelerating, experts warn.
                              • Other types of cancer are also affecting young people.
                            • Accuracy
                              • Young people under 50 are getting cancer at an increasing rate.
                            • Deception (30%)
                              The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title implies that young people under 50 are getting cancer at an alarmingly high rate when in fact it only mentions colorectal cancers and briefly touches on other types of cancer. Secondly, the author uses emotional language such as 'vividly' to describe the impact of these cancers on young people, which is intended to manipulate readers into feeling sympathetic towards them. Lastly, there are no sources disclosed in the article.
                              • The title implies that young people under 50 are getting cancer at an alarmingly high rate when in fact it only mentions colorectal cancers and briefly touches on other types of cancer.
                            • Fallacies (70%)
                              The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing Dr. Shady Ashamalla as a source for information about the increase in colorectal cancers in young people under 50. However, this does not necessarily mean that his opinions are accurate or reliable.
                              • Dr. Shady Ashamalla remembers them all, vividly: Young people in their 20s or 30s, leaving behind young children, partners, parents,
                            • Bias (85%)
                              The article contains examples of religious bias and monetary bias. The author uses language that dehumanizes young people who are getting cancer by describing them as 'young people in their 20s or 30s' leaving behind families when they die from advanced cancers.
                              • Dr. Shady Ashamalla remembers them all, vividly: Young people in their 20s or 30s
                                • > Young people are getting other cancers, too
                                • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                  The author of the article has a conflict of interest with Dr. Shady Ashamalla and Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto as they are both affiliated with Canada.
                                  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                    The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of cancer in young people as they are reporting for Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto which is likely to have an interest in this topic.

                                    64%

                                    The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                                    (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                                    A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                                    Why are more young and middle-aged adults getting diagnosed with cancer?

                                    WBEZ Chicago Public Media Micah Yason Wednesday, 24 January 2024 20:39
                                    • Unique Points
                                      • New cases of common cancers like breast and colorectal are increasing among some young adults.
                                      • More adults under the age of 50 are being diagnosed with certain cancers.
                                      • Researchers and medical professionals are rushing to figure out what is causing this increase in cancer diagnoses among young and middle-aged adults.
                                    • Accuracy
                                      No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
                                    • Deception (30%)
                                      The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that new cases of common cancers like breast and colorectal are increasing among some young adults. However, this statement is not supported by any data or statistics provided in the article. Secondly, the author quotes Dr. Adam DuVall stating that changes in lifestyle and environment could be contributing to this increase, but does not provide any evidence for these claims. Lastly, the author mentions ultra-processed foods as a potential cause of cancer without providing any scientific backing.
                                      • The statement 'new cases of common cancers like breast and colorectal are increasing among some young adults' is not supported by data or statistics provided in the article.
                                    • Fallacies (75%)
                                      The article contains an informal fallacy called 'appeals to authority' when it quotes Dr. Adam DuVall and Dr. Christina Annunziata without providing any evidence or reasoning for their opinions.
                                      • ]Dr. Adam DuVall, assistant professor of medicine at UChicago Medicine, says the increase in cancer cases among young adults is likely due to changes in lifestyle and environment.
                                    • Bias (75%)
                                      Micah Yason uses language that dehumanizes young and middle-aged adults who are getting diagnosed with cancer. He says 'New cases of common cancers like breast and colorectal are increasing among some young adults.' This implies that these people should not be getting cancer because they are supposed to be healthy, which is a harmful stereotype.
                                      • New cases of common cancers like breast and colorectal are increasing among some young adults.
                                      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                        Micah Yason has a conflict of interest on the topic of cancer as he is affiliated with Dr. Adam DuVall and Dr. Christina Annunziata who are both involved in research related to young adults getting diagnosed with cancer.
                                        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                          Micah Yason has a conflict of interest on the topic of cancer in young adults and middle-aged adults as he is reporting for WBEZ which receives funding from National Cancer Institute.