Rising Incidence of Colorectal Cancer in Young Adults: Urgent Warning from Yale Medicine Surgeons
Colorectal Cancer on the Rise in Young Adults: Urgent Call for Awareness and Screening
In a shocking trend that defies common misconceptions, colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting young adults in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. Yale Medicine surgeons specializing in colon and rectal surgery are sounding the alarm, urging individuals under 45—even college students—to be vigilant about any concerning symptoms and to seek medical advice promptly.
Recent cases at Yale Medicine have highlighted the concerning rise of colorectal cancer in younger patients. From a father of four in his 30s misattributing rectal bleeding to hemorrhoids, to a group of seven patients diagnosed with rectal cancer in a single week, with the oldest being 35 and the youngest only 18, the trend is undeniable.
Statistics from the American Cancer Society (ACS) further underscore the urgency of the situation. In 2019, 20% of colorectal cancer diagnoses were in patients under 55, double the rate from 1995. The ACS predicted over 19,000 diagnoses and 3,700 deaths in individuals under 50 in 2023 alone. This alarming increase has prompted updated screening guidelines, with recommendations for most Americans to begin screenings at age 45, five years earlier than previously advised.
Dr. Haddon Pantel, a colorectal surgeon at Yale Medicine, emphasizes the importance of early detection in combating this trend. While colorectal cancer remains most common in individuals over 65, the incidence in younger age groups is on the rise, leading to more advanced cases being diagnosed in Generation Zers, Millennials, and Generation Xers.
Dr. Vikram Reddy, a pioneer in studying the rise of colorectal cancer in young people, stresses the need for awareness and proactive screening. “If anyone has any change in their bowel habits, if they have any bleeding—even if they think it’s a hemorrhoid, and it doesn’t go away—just get a colonoscopy,” advises Dr. Reddy.
The impact of a colorectal cancer diagnosis on young individuals can be profound, affecting not only their health but also their careers and finances. Quick decisions may need to be made regarding fertility preservation and treatment options, making early detection crucial in improving outcomes.
At Smilow Cancer Hospital, Yale Medicine’s team of colorectal surgeons collaborates with a multidisciplinary approach to provide the best possible care for patients with colon and rectal cancers. By raising awareness and advocating for early screening, they aim to reverse the concerning trend of colorectal cancer in young adults and ensure better outcomes for future generations.