Colon Cancer Cases Increasing Dramatically in Children and Teens

A new study presented at the Digestive Disease Week medical meeting in Washington, D.C., has revealed a concerning trend – colon cancer rates have been steadily increasing among young people in the United States over the past two decades. The most dramatic leap in cancer rates was seen among tweens, with a 500% increase in colon cancer cases among kids aged 10 to 14 between 1999 and 2020.

Lead researcher Dr. Islam Mohamed, an internal medicine resident physician at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, emphasized that colorectal cancer is no longer just a disease of the elderly population. The study, which analyzed trends in colon cancer for individuals between 10 and 44 years of age using CDC data, also found significant increases in colon cancer rates among 15- to 19-year-olds (333% increase) and 20- to 24-year-olds (185% increase).

While the rates of colon cancer have risen among children and young adults, they are still much lower in sheer numbers compared to older adults. Common symptoms of colon cancer include constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and signs of iron deficiency anemia.

Risk factors for colon cancer include a family history of inflammatory bowel disease or colon cancer, obesity, tobacco use, drinking, and diet. Suspected risk factors include lack of physical activity, antibiotics, and dietary additives. It is important to note that these findings are preliminary and should be considered until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

The alarming increase in colon cancer rates among young people highlights the importance of early detection and prevention efforts to combat this deadly disease.