The rise of colon and rectal cancer is on the rise, especially in young people, even for those without obvious risk factors, such as smoking, being overweight, or drinking heavy amounts of alcohol, and no family history.
The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2025, there will be a significant rise in new cases of colorectal cancer, 106,000 plus for colon cancer and 46,000 plus for rectal cancer.
A recent study links a gut toxin to colorectal cancers, which has contributes to the sharp rise in younger people, according to the research published in Journal Nature.
A harmful species of gut bacteria, including strains of E. Coli, Citrobacter kosher, and Klebsiella pneumoniiae, which makes a toxin called colibactin.
Research suggest the exposure to the bacterial toxin colibactin can cause DNA mutations, increasing the risk for younger people to develop colon cancer. This exposure can occur in early childhood, according to the study.
“Around 50% of early-onset colorectal cancers in individuals under 40 carried the distinctive signature of colibactin exposure,” senior study author Ludmil Alexandrov, a bioengineering and cellular and molecular medicine professor at UC San Diego.
The Colon Cancer Coalition list some key facts about colon cancer.
What is colon cancer?
Colon cancer is cancer of the colon (part of your large intestine). Rectal cancer is cancer in the rectum (the passageway that connects the colon to the anus). Together, they are colorectal.
How common is it?
Colon cancer is the 4th most common cancer in the U.S. and the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths. But don’t worry – early detection can make a huge difference.
Who can get it?
Anyone can get colon cancer regardless of gender, race, or nationality.
Young adults too?
Surprisingly, 30% of colon cancer diagnoses are found in people under 55.
What is the recommended screening age?
45 is the recommended screening age for colorectal cancer. An estimated 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. are not being screened as recommended.
Survival rates:
The five-year survival rate for CRC is approximately 91% for stages I and II but declines to 13% for stage IV. Only 1 in 3 cases are diagnosed at stage I or II. The five-year overall survival rate is 64%.
Often symptomless:
Colon cancer starts as polyps and usually develops slowly for 10 to 15 years. Many people with colon cancer don’t have any symptoms at first, which is why screening is so important.
It is estimated over 52,000 die of colorectal cancer annually. If detected early, it is one of the most treatable forms of cancer. Preventative screening and testing help detect diseases and conditions in their early and most treatable stages. For more information or to make an appointment, contact Gastroenterology Consultants of Central Florida.