Colorectal cancer remains a major health concern. Experts predict there will be 84,160 new cases in men and 74,690 in women in the United States by the end of 2026. It is now the third most common cancer for both men and women. This year, colorectal cancer is expected to cause 9% of cancer deaths in men and 8% in women.
A recent statistical analysis published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians shares worrying news about the ongoing rise of colorectal cancer, especially among young adults.
Every three years, researchers from the American Cancer Society release a detailed report on colorectal cancer rates and deaths in the United States. The latest report includes some positive findings but also highlights areas where prevention and early detection can be improved.
Researchers found that overall, colorectal cancer cases dropped by just under 1% from 2013 to 2022. For people 65 and older, cases fell by 2.5% each year. But among young adults aged 20 to 49, cases rose by 3% per year, while among those aged 50 to 64, cases rose by 0.4% per year.
Death rates from colorectal cancer also vary by age. Since 2004, deaths among adults under 50 have gone up by 1% each year. For adults aged 50 to 64, deaths have increased by 1.1% to 1.3% per year. In contrast, for people 65 and older, deaths have dropped by 2.3% each year.
A large part of the rise in colorectal cancer among adults under 65 is due to more cases of rectal cancer. Although rectal cancer rates have been decreasing for many years, it now makes up 32% of all colorectal cancer cases.
This report highlights growing concerns about more young adults being diagnosed with and dying from colorectal cancer. The findings show that new research is needed to find out why cancer develops earlier.
Sources: CA Cancer J Clin, CA Cancer J Clin
