Share and Follow
(NEXSTAR) – The recent passing of actors Catherine O’Hara, aged 71, and James Van Der Beek, aged 48, has brought colorectal cancer back into the spotlight. This disease, encompassing both colon and rectal cancers, claims the lives of approximately 55,000 Americans each year.
The concern is growing for younger populations as well. Research from the American Cancer Society reveals that colorectal cancer now ranks as the deadliest cancer among Americans under 50.
Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, who led the study, emphasized that the results clearly indicate this disease is no longer exclusive to the elderly.
What are the signs of colorectal cancer and who should get checked?
Early detection is crucial in preventing fatalities from colon or rectal cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, individuals can have polyps or cancerous growths without exhibiting any symptoms.
Key symptoms to be aware of include:
- Change in bowel movement patterns
- Blood in stool
- Diarrhea, constipation, or the feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty all the way
- Persistent abdominal pain or cramps
- Unexplained weight loss
All these symptoms could be caused by something other than cancer, the CDC emphasizes, but you should bring concerns to your doctor and consider getting screened.
Most people will start screening at 45, thanks to a recent change that shifted up the recommended age from 50. Health experts are hopeful the change will help catch precancerous polyps in the early stages, so they can be removed before turning into cancer.
People with certain conditions should consider getting screened even sooner. That includes people with Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, or a genetic condition that puts them at higher risk.
Why are colorectal cancer deaths on the rise?
Health experts are still trying to understand why colorectal cancer cases and deaths are rising, especially among those under 50.
“This rapid increase is especially puzzling because the rate of colorectal cancer has plummeted among older adults—largely due to regular colonoscopies and lower rates of smoking,” write the National Cancer Institute.
Some risk factors have been identified, including smoking, obesity and physical inactivity, says the Institute.
This echoes previous findings from the American Cancer Society, as well as the opinions of medical experts who attribute at least some instances of colon cancer in young adults to “diet, decreased exercise and poor lifestyle choices like increased smoking or drinking,” Dr. Dana Hayden, a colon and rectal surgery specialist with UW Health in Madison, Wisconsin, said in 2023.
“But there are definitely some other factors that could be related to genetics, that could be related to tumor biology,” said Hayden said. “So we are trying to work very quickly to figure this out.”
Nexstar’s Addy Bink contributed to this report.