Colorectal cancer cases have tripled among teenagers and doubled for young adults aged 20-24 over the last two decades.
Colorectal cancer diagnoses increased by approximately double for individuals in their early twenties, with highest overall rate observed in the early forties.
Study analyzed data from CDC on colorectal cancer incidence in individuals aged 10 to 44 years between 1999 and 2020.
Symptoms of colorectal cancer can be difficult to recognize until more advanced stages of the disease. Common early warning signs include abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, anemia and changes in bathroom habits.
In a striking revelation, recent studies have shown that colorectal cancer cases have more than tripled among teenagers and doubled for young adults in the age group of 20 to 24 over the last two decades. These findings challenge the long-held belief that colorectal cancer is primarily a disease of the elderly population. The research, which is scheduled for presentation at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2024, analyzed data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on colorectal cancer incidence in individuals aged 10 to 44 years between 1999 and 2020. The study was led by Dr. Islam Mohamed, an internal medicine resident physician at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. According to the findings, colorectal cancer diagnoses increased by 500% among children aged 10 to 14, by 333% among teens aged 15 to 19 and by approximately double for individuals in their early twenties. The surge in colorectal cancer cases was observed across all age groups under the age of 45. Late twenties to early thirties experienced a rise of about 70%, late thirties witnessed an increase of 58%, while the highest overall rate was observed in the early forties with a rise of 45%. The study highlights the need for increased awareness, better treatment, and prevention options for younger age groups. The findings also indicate that symptoms of colorectal cancer can be difficult to recognize until more advanced stages of the disease. Common early warning signs include abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, anemia (iron deficiency), and changes in bathroom habits such as diarrhea or constipation. Regular testing can play a crucial role in detecting colorectal cancer at an early stage; however, it is only recommended for individuals older than 45 according to the CDC. Strategies to prevent colorectal cancer include maintaining a diet rich in fiber, avoiding tobacco and alcohol use, and engaging in regular physical exercise. Genetic factors may also contribute to the risk of developing colorectal cancer along with potential risks from the gut microbiome, food additives or certain antibiotics that can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the digestive system.
Colorectal cancer rates have been rising for decades among people under the age of 50.
Cases of colorectal cancer were on the rise in all age groups, with significant increases among those under age 45.
Colorectal cancer diagnoses in children ages 10 to 14 jumped from 0.1 cases per 100,00 to i.6 per 1oo,ooo between 1999 and 2o2o.
Cases among those aged between fifteen and nineteen increased by over three hundred percent from o.3 cases per 1oo,ooo people in 1999 to i.3 cases per 100,000 people in 2o2o.
Accuracy
Colorectal cancer cases were on the rise in all age groups, with significant increases among those under age 45.
Cases among those aged between fifteen and nineteen increased by more than three hundred percent from 2o3 cases per 1oo,ooo people in 1999 to i.3 cases per 100,000 people in 2o2o.
People aged forty to forty four saw an increase of forty five percent from about fifteen cases per 1oo,ooo people in 1999 to about twenty one cases per 100,000 people in 2o2o.
Deception
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Fallacies
(85%)
The author uses an appeal to authority fallacy when quoting Dr. Islam Mohamed and Dr. Folasade May stating that the increases could be due to lifestyle factors or genetics without providing any evidence for this claim.
“We don’t know what to make of it yet, it could be lifestyle factors or genetics,” said Dr. Islam Mohamed, an internal medicine resident physician at the University of Missouri-Kansas City who led the research.
“It means that there is a trend,” said Dr. Folasade May, an associate professor of medicine in the University of California, Los Angeles Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases.
Colon cancer cases have more than doubled in young people aged 10 to 44 since 1999.
Teenagers have seen a tripling of colon cancer diagnoses.
People in their early 20s have experienced a doubling of colon cancer cases.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Fallacies
(95%)
The author provides data from a study conducted by Dr. Islam Mohamed and his team, which shows an increase in colon cancer cases among young people. The author does not commit any formal or informal fallacies in the provided text. However, there is an appeal to authority when the author quotes Dr. Mohamed's statements about colorectal cancer symptoms and prevention strategies.
Colon cancer cases have more than tripled in teenagers and more than doubled for people in their early 20s.
The findings suggest a need for better awareness, treatment, and prevention options for younger people.
