NEW RESEARCH HAS UNCOVERED A PIVOTAL RELATIONSHIP: excess body weight may serve as a pivotal risk factor in the onset of colorectal cancer at a younger age. Today we explore the weight and early-onset colon cancer connection.
Amidst concerning trends documented since the 1990s, where early-onset colorectal cancer rates have soared, this latest study delivers a clarion call to action.
The report highlights a potentially modifiable risk factor that demands urgent attention.
Most Colon and Rectal Cancer Cancers Are Sporadic
I sometimes ask my patients with colon or rectal cancer why they think they have cancer.
The overwhelmingly popular answer is inherited genetics.
Wrong. The American Cancer Society explains:
While the majority of colorectal cancer cases arise in individuals without a family history of the disease, up to one in three— are linked to familial predisposition.
Still, Family History Matters
Those with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) who has battled colorectal cancer face an elevated risk, particularly if the relative was diagnosed before the age of 50 or if multiple first-degree relatives are affected.
Yet, the underlying mechanisms behind this heightened susceptibility remain elusive.
Factors such as inherited genetic mutations, shared environmental exposures, or a blend of both may contribute to the familial clustering of colorectal cancer cases.
Early Onset Colorectal Cancer Incidence is Rising
The landscape of colorectal cancer has undergone a seismic shift, especially among younger demographics.
Between 1995 and 2019, the proportion of individuals under 55 diagnosed with colorectal cancer doubled, rising from 11 percent to a troubling 20 percent.
In the United States alone, out of approximately 1.3 million people grappling with colorectal cancer in 2019, a staggering 273,800 were younger than 55.
These stark figures underscore a startling reality: individuals born post-1990 face double the likelihood of receiving a colon cancer diagnosis and four times the probability of being diagnosed with rectal cancer compared to those born in 1950, as highlighted in a 2017 study.
Colorectal Cancer Incidence Trends
Perhaps most alarming is the projection that within a mere seven years, colorectal cancer will emerge as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among individuals aged 20 to 49.
This disquieting trend starkly contrasts the declining incidence rates among those over 50.
More Young Folks Have Colorectal Cancer. Why?
THE PROPORTION OF COLORECTAL CANCER in people under 55 doubled between 1995 and 2019. The proportion increased from 11…medium.com
A New Study
In their study, Dr. Wan Yang and his Columbia University (USA) team dug into a massive database called SEER to gather info on how often younger people are getting colorectal cancer.
They also looked at data from national surveys over many years to see how factors like weight might be linked to this cancer in people aged 30 to 49.
Researchers examined 11 variables, including weight.
They honed in on individuals aged 30 to 49, dividing them into groups based on when they entered the study, their age, whether they were male or female, and their race.
New Clues About Early-Onset Colon Cancer
The study findings are pretty concerning:
More young people were becoming overweight or obese, contributing to a nearly one-third (30 percent) rise in colorectal cancer among men and a 28 percent relative increase among women.
My Take
This study backs up what other research has found: having too much body weight raises the chances of getting colorectal cancer at a younger age.
I often think about weight in terms of individual behavior.
- But, we need larger-scale policies to improve the overall health of Americans.
- I wish we all had easy access to healthy foods.
- And I wish we emphasized physical activity in our schools.
Other Modifiable Colon Cancer Risk Factors
A risk factor is anything that raises your chances of getting a disease (such as cancer).
The American Cancer Society offers these modifiable risks:
- Diabetes, type 2. While type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer have common risk factors, like being overweight and not being physically active, research shows that even when we consider these factors, individuals with type 2 diabetes still face a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.
- Smoking.
- Alcohol, moderate to heavy use.
- Diet. A long-term diet rich in red meats (such as beef, pork, lamb, or liver) and processed meats (like hot dogs and certain lunch meats) is associated with a higher colorectal cancer risk. Cooking these meats at high temperatures, such as frying, broiling, or grilling, produces chemicals that might further increase this risk.
Conversely, adopting a healthy diet emphasizing plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while minimizing or avoiding red and processed meats and sugary drinks likely reduces colon cancer risk.
Screening
For people at average risk* of developing colon or rectal cancer,
The American Cancer Society recommends that colorectal cancer screening start regular screening at age 45.
There are two main methods available to check for colorectal cancer: a stool-based test that checks for signs of cancer or an exam that visually examines the colon and rectum.
Actionable: Screening Details
If you’re generally healthy and expect to live for more than ten years, experts recommend that you keep up with regular colorectal cancer screening until you reach 75 years old.
From the ages of 76 and 85, whether you continue screening should depend on what you prefer, your overall health, how long you’re expected to live, and whether you’ve had screening before.
Once you’re over 85, it’s typically not necessary to undergo colorectal cancer screening any more.
*For screening, people are considered to be at average risk if they do not have:
- A personal history of colon or rectal cancer or certain types of polyps
- A family history of colorectal cancer
- Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)
- A suspected or confirmed colorectal cancer syndrome, such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- A personal history of receiving radiation to the abdomen or pelvis area to treat previous cancer.
One Final Thought – Weight and Early-Onset Colon Cancer
A guideline update lowered the screening age for colon and rectal cancer from 50 years to 45 years.
Have you had appropriate screening?
In addition, many people still need to pay more attention when they have symptoms.
When in doubt, check it out.
Colorectal Cancer Guideline | How Often to Have Screening Tests
Learn about colorectal cancer screening tests and at what age you should start them. Find out if you might be at high…www.cancer.org
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