Shifting Trends in Colorectal Cancer Cases: More Younger Adults Are Being Diagnosed
James Grant, M.D.
| 3 min read
James D. Grant, M.D., is senior vice president and c...
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness month, and when it comes to colorectal cancer, there is good news and not-so-good news.
First the good news. Overall, the rate of people diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer, and the mortality rate for those diagnosed, has been declining for the last several decades. This decline is particularly found in those over age 50, and research shows that the increase in colorectal cancer screenings among older adults has contributed to this decline.
The not-so-good news, however, is that colorectal cancer cases have been rising among adults younger than age 50. In fact, from 2012 to 2021, rates among younger adults have risen by 2.4% per year. According to the American Cancer Society, in 1995, just 11% of colorectal cancers were in people aged 54 or younger. In 2019, that number was 20%.
Shifting trends mean a change in recommendations
The increase in younger adults with colon cancer has influenced a change in cancer screening recommendations. A few years ago, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) lowered the recommended age to begin yearly colorectal cancer screenings to 45 from 50. This is the suggested age for those with an average risk of cancer.
If you have a higher risk, such as a family history of colon cancer, talk with your primary care provider about the right screening plan for you.
Trends in racial and ethnic groups
Regarding colorectal cancer incidence and mortality, there are some disparities among certain racial and ethnic groups.
- Incidence of colorectal cancer is highest among American Indian and Alaska Native individuals.
- Black Americans are 15% more likely than White Americans to get colorectal cancer and 35% more likely to die from it.
- Nearly one-in-four colorectal cancer cases in Black Americans are diagnosed at stages when it is harder to treat.
In general, colorectal cancer has a survival rate of greater than 90% when found and treated early, which is why it’s so important to get regular screenings.
Symptoms to monitor
Colorectal cancer screening is your best defense for identifying and treating cancer in its earliest, most treatable, stage. It’s particularly important because some colorectal cancers cause no symptoms until the disease is in a more advanced stage.
However, experiencing symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have cancer. Here are some symptoms to be aware of:
- A change in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea
- Very dark brown or black stool
- Rectal bleeding, or noticeable blood in the stool
- Ongoing belly pain or cramping
- Feeling like you haven’t emptied your bowel after a bowel movement
- Fatigue or weakness
If you experience any of the above symptoms for more than several days, talk with your primary care provider to come up with a plan of care.
James D. Grant, M.D., is executive vice president and chief medical officer for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
Photo credit: Getty Images
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Medically Reviewed by: Peter Graham, M.D.