Alarming Trend: Colorectal Cancer Rising in Young Adults

Did you know that 1 in 5 colorectal cancer cases now occur in people under 54? That's an 11% increase over the past two decades.

New research in Nature reveals: early childhood exposure to colibactin (a bacterial toxin) may significantly increase risk of developing colorectal cancer 20-30 years earlier than expected.

The Western diet and lifestyle appear to be major contributors, with those diagnosed under 40 showing three times more colibactin-related mutations than patients over 70.

Researchers are still examining potential risk factors for developing early-onset colorectal cancer. Many possible risk factors have been identified, but the level of evidence to support each varies.

Some of the major risk factors (and level of evidence) for developing early-onset colorectal cancer may include:

• Excess body weight (High)

• High body fat at an early age (High)

• Diabetes (High)

• Smoking (Likely)

• Alcohol use (Likely)

• Low levels of physical activity (Likely)

Other risk factors for early-onset colorectal cancer may include:

• High blood pressure

• Dietary factors such as:

  • high sugar intake

  • high red or processed meat intake

  • high fat diet

Key warning signs to never ignore:

• Persistent abdominal pain

• Unexplained weight loss

• Rectal bleeding

• Change in bowel pattern

While research continues, focus on what you can control: plant-nourishing eating, regular movement, eliminating alcohol, and quit smoking.