Rising Colorectal Cancer Deaths in Younger Adults

In a recent study, researchers have highlighted the troubling increase in colorectal cancer deaths among younger adults, particularly those with lower educational attainment. This trend suggests that socioeconomic factors may be influencing the rise.

The deaths of well-known figures, like Chadwick Boseman in 2020 and James Van Der Beek earlier this year, have drawn attention to this issue. However, this new research stands out as it specifically identifies which groups are most affected by the rising statistics.

Over the past three decades, the increase in colorectal cancer deaths in individuals aged 25 to 49 has been predominantly among those who haven’t completed a four-year college degree. It’s important to note that just having a degree doesn’t offer immunity against colon cancer. Instead, it often reflects other underlying challenges: those without degrees generally earn less, maintain poorer diets, engage in less physical activity, and receive less medical care.

While it might not be surprising that higher death rates align with socioeconomic disadvantage, this study, published in JAMA Oncology, is the first national research to show this connection, as noted by Dr. Paolo Boffetta from Stony Brook Cancer Center.

Researchers from the American Cancer Society analyzed data on more than 101,000 younger adults who died from colorectal cancer between 1994 and 2023.

In summary, the overall death rate from colorectal cancer in this age group increased from approximately 3 to 4 per 100,000. For individuals who only graduated high school, the rate rose from 4 to 5.2 per 100,000. In contrast, the rate remained unchanged for those with at least a bachelor’s degree, staying at 2.7 per 100,000.

Ahmedin Jemal, a lead author on the study, emphasized the significance of raising awareness about colorectal cancer and recommended that younger adults follow screening guidelines. Symptoms to watch for include blood in stool, changes in bowel habits, unintended weight loss, and abdominal pain.

This year, the American Cancer Society estimates that over 158,000 new colorectal cancer cases will be diagnosed in the U.S. It’s the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the country, trailing only lung cancer, and is projected to claim more than 55,000 lives by 2026.

For those under 50, deaths due to colorectal cancer account for about 7% of the total, roughly 3,900 fatalities. Earlier reports indicated that mortality rates among Americans under 50 have increased annually by 1.1% since 2005, making this the deadliest cancer for that demographic.

While the reasons for this surge remain unclear, scientists point to various risk factors, including obesity, inactivity, diets high in processed meat, and family history of the disease. In 2021, the American Cancer Society updated its screening recommendations, lowering the starting age for screenings from 50 to 45.

One question raised by the study is why education level was chosen as a focal point over other variables. Death certificates lack details about income or other life aspects, but they do document educational attainment, which often aligns with trends in income, health insurance, and physical activity. Therefore, education acts as a proxy, even if it doesn’t encompass all potential factors.

Dr. Boffetta mentioned that the emphasis on education stems from the data available.