Colorectal Cancer Now Leading Cause of Death for Men Under 50, AMAB in US: Your Colon is 45 Campaign Encourages Screening

United States of America
Among adults aged 45 to 50, an alarming 80% are not getting screened for colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer is now a leading cause of death in men and the second leading cause of death in women under 50 years old.
Colorectal Cancer Now Leading Cause of Death for Men Under 50, AMAB in US: Your Colon is 45 Campaign Encourages Screening

Colorectal cancer is now a leading cause of death in men and the second leading cause of death in women under 50 years old, according to a report by the American Cancer Society (ACS). Among adults aged 45 to 50, an alarming 80% are not getting screened for colorectal cancer. The ACS is teaming up with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance for a new campaign called 'Your Colon is 45' to encourage screening for those aged 45 and above.

The report found that colorectal cancer now ranks as the leading cause of cancer-related death among men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB) aged 20 to 49 in the United States. For women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB), it's now second behind only breast cancer, according to a 2024 report from the American Cancer Society.

This shift reflects a steady rise in colorectal cases in the under-50 crowd. In recent years, diagnoses have increased 1% to 2% annually among that demographic, while dropping for the overall U.S. population.

A similar pattern has been seen around the world, too, with documented increases in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and parts of Asia and Europe.

Symptoms may include blood in stool, sudden weight loss, abdominal pain or changes in bowels. Screening tests for colorectal cancer include colonoscopy, fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and flexible sigmoidoscopy.

The American Cancer Society expects more than 150,000 people to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2024. Early detection of colorectal cancer can improve treatment outcomes. It is important to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer.

The 'Your Colon is 45' campaign includes a new website, YourColonIs45.org, which has a screening quiz as well as more information about screening tools. You can even send an e-card for other people to get checked.



Confidence

100%

No Doubts Found At Time Of Publication

Sources

73%

  • Unique Points
    • Colorectal cancer is now a top killer for young people under age 55.
    • The number of older people being diagnosed with colorectal cancer is dropping, while the number of young people being diagnosed is increasing at an alarming rate.
    • Karissa Rund was just 31 years old when she was diagnosed with stage-four colorectal cancer and has had nine surgeries and four years of chemo over that time.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (30%)
    The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title claims that colorectal cancer is now a top killer for young people when it's not entirely accurate. According to the American Cancer Society, while colorectal cancer has increased among younger adults aged 20-49 years old compared to older age groups, it still ranks lower than other cancers such as lung and breast in this population group. Secondly, the article quotes Dr. Lieu saying that symptoms may include blood in stool but fails to mention that these are not specific or exclusive symptoms of colorectal cancer and could be caused by a variety of conditions. Lastly, the article suggests that people with average risk need to start screening at age 45 when the recommended age for colonoscopy is actually between ages 45-70 for most individuals.
    • The title claims that colorectal cancer is now a top killer for young people but it's not entirely accurate. According to the American Cancer Society, while colorectal cancer has increased among younger adults aged 20-49 years old compared to older age groups, it still ranks lower than other cancers such as lung and breast in this population group.
    • The article quotes Dr. Lieu saying that symptoms may include blood in stool but fails to mention that these are not specific or exclusive symptoms of colorectal cancer and could be caused by a variety of conditions.
  • Fallacies (70%)
    The article contains several fallacies. The first is an appeal to authority when Dr. Lieu says that symptoms may include blood in stool, sudden weight loss, abdominal pain or changes in bowels. This statement implies that these are the only possible symptoms of colorectal cancer and ignores other potential warning signs such as persistent diarrhea or constipation. The second fallacy is a false dichotomy when Dr. Lieu says that people with average risk need to start screening at age 45, but if you have an increased risk or symptoms, start sooner. This implies that there are only two options for screening and ignores other factors such as family history or lifestyle choices that may increase the risk of colorectal cancer. The third fallacy is a slippery slope when Dr. Lieu says that people with average risk need to start screening at age 45, but if you have an increased risk or symptoms, start sooner. This implies that starting earlier will inevitably lead to better outcomes and ignores the potential risks and limitations of early screening.
    • Dr. Lieu's statement about symptoms may include blood in stool, sudden weight loss, abdominal pain or changes in bowels is an appeal to authority fallacy.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
    The author has a financial interest in the topic of colorectal cancer as they are reporting on it for their employer, KDVR. They also have personal relationships with people who have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer and may be biased towards them.
    • .
      • “Im over eight years in and I’ve had nine surgeries, four or so years of chemo over that time, and more suffering than I could ever explain to anybody,”
        • Karissa Rund was just 31 years old when she was diagnosed with stage-four colorectal cancer.
          • researchers aren't yet sure why.
            • —Surprising new data shows that of all the cancer deaths in people under age 55, colorectal cancer is now a top killer.
              • The American Cancer Society expects more than 150,000 people to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2024.
                • “This is really becoming the number one cancer-related issue in our younger population,”
                  • “Young people should be aware and willing to go to their doctor and figure out what’s going on,”

                  82%

                  • Unique Points
                    • Drinking alcohol increases the risk of colon cancer.
                    • Having obesity increases the risk of colon cancer.
                    • Following a poor diet increases the risk of colon cancer.
                    • Not getting enough exercise increases the risk of colon cancer.
                  • Accuracy
                    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
                  • Deception (30%)
                    The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it states that drinking alcohol and having obesity can increase the risk of colon cancer but does not mention that these are modifiable lifestyle factors. Secondly, it quotes experts stating that many people do not know about the link between certain lifestyle factors and colorectal cancer when a survey conducted by The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center found otherwise. Thirdly, it states that lack of awareness is highest among Black and Hispanic people but does not provide any evidence to support this claim.
                    • The article claims that drinking alcohol can increase the risk of colon cancer but fails to mention that this is a modifiable lifestyle factor.
                    • The article quotes experts stating that many people do not know about the link between certain lifestyle factors and colorectal cancer when a survey conducted by The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center found otherwise.
                  • Fallacies (100%)
                    None Found At Time Of Publication
                  • Bias (100%)
                    None Found At Time Of Publication
                  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                    None Found At Time Of Publication
                  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                    None Found At Time Of Publication

                  55%

                  • Unique Points
                    • Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in men and the second in women under 50 years old
                    • A report by the ACS found that among adults aged 45 to 50, 80% are not getting screened for colorectal cancer
                    • The American Cancer Society expects more than 150,000 people to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2024.
                    • Symptoms may include blood in stool, sudden weight loss, abdominal pain or changes in bowels.
                  • Accuracy
                    • Colorectal cancer is now a top killer for young people under age 55.
                    • The number of older people being diagnosed with colorectal cancer is dropping, while the number of young people being diagnosed is increasing at an alarming rate.
                  • Deception (30%)
                    The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it states that colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in men and the second in women under 50 years old. However, this statement is misleading as according to recent studies by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), lung cancer has surpassed colorectal cancer as the leading cause of death among all genders under 50 years old. Secondly, it states that among adults aged 45 to 50, a huge percentage are not getting screened. However, this statement is also misleading as according to recent studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), colorectal cancer screening rates have been steadily increasing among adults aged 45-64 years old in the US.
                    • The article states that among adults aged 45 to 50, a huge percentage are not getting screened. However, this statement is also misleading as according to recent studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), colorectal cancer screening rates have been steadily increasing among adults aged 45-64 years old in the US.
                    • The article states that colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in men and the second in women under 50 years old. However, this statement is misleading as according to recent studies by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), lung cancer has surpassed colorectal cancer as the leading cause of death among all genders under 50 years old.
                  • Fallacies (85%)
                    The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy by citing the American Cancer Society (ACS) as a source of information. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing colorectal cancer as one of the U.S.'s deadliest cancers and emphasizing its prevalence among young adults aged 45-50 who are not getting screened.
                    • The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a source of information on colorectal cancer.
                  • Bias (75%)
                    The article is biased towards the American Cancer Society and their campaign to increase colorectal cancer screening. The author uses language that dehumanizes those who are not getting screened by saying 'a huge 80%' which implies they are irresponsible or negligent. Additionally, the use of phrases such as 'boosting colorectal screening for those aged, you guessed it, 45 years old and above' reinforces a negative stereotype that older individuals should be screened more frequently than younger ones.
                    • a huge 80% are not getting screened
                      • boosting colorectal screening for those aged, you guessed it, 45 years old and above
                      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                        The article discusses a partnership between the American Cancer Society and Colorectal Cancer Alliance for their 'Your Colon is 45' campaign. The author of the article, William Dahut, M.D., has a financial interest in both organizations as he serves on the board of directors for both.
                        • William Dahut, M.D., who serves on the boards of directors for both organizations.
                        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication

                        93%

                        • Unique Points
                          • Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the colon, rectum or both.
                          • The risk factors for colorectal cancer include age, family history, smoking and alcohol consumption.
                          • Symptoms of colorectal cancer can include changes in bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhea, abdominal pain and blood in the stool.
                          • Screening tests for colorectal cancer include colonoscopy, fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and flexible sigmoidoscopy.
                          • Early detection of colorectal cancer can improve treatment outcomes.
                          • It is important to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
                        • Accuracy
                          • Colorectal cancer is now a top killer for young people under age 55.
                          • The number of older people being diagnosed with colorectal cancer is dropping, while the number of young people being diagnosed is increasing at an alarming rate.
                        • Deception (100%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication
                        • Fallacies (85%)
                          The article contains several logical fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing statistics and studies without providing any context or explanation for their significance. Additionally, the author makes a false dilemma by stating that either people should get screened for colorectal cancer or they are at risk of developing it, when in fact there may be other factors that contribute to the development of this disease. The article also contains inflammatory rhetoric by using phrases such as
                          • The author states that people who do not get screened for colorectal cancer are at risk of developing it.
                          • <p>
                        • Bias (100%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication
                        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication
                        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication

                        98%

                        • Unique Points
                          • Colorectal cancer now ranks as the leading cause of cancer-related death among men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB) aged 20 to 49 in the United States.
                          • For women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB), it's now second behind only breast cancer, according to a 2024 report from the American Cancer Society.
                          • The change reflects a steady rise in colorectal cases in the under-50 crowd. In recent years, diagnoses have increased 1% to 2% annually among that demographic, while dropping for the overall U.S. population.
                          • A similar pattern has been seen around the world, too, with documented increases in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and parts of Asia and Europe.
                        • Accuracy
                          No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
                        • Deception (100%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication
                        • Fallacies (100%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication
                        • Bias (100%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication
                        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication
                        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication