Dramatic rise in gastrointestinal cancers in people under 50
Gastrointestinal cancer is the fastest-growing early-onset cancer in US, research shows
- A new review has identified a dramatic increase in early-onset gastrointestinal cancers among people under 50 in the US.
- Colorectal cancer was the most common early-onset gastrointestinal cancer in 2022, with over 20,800 diagnoses.
- The rise in these cancers is largely attributed to modifiable risk factors, including obesity, poor diet, inactive lifestyles, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
- The prognosis for early-onset gastrointestinal cancers is similar to or worse than later-onset cases, underscoring the need for improved prevention and early detection.
- The American Cancer Society now recommends regular colorectal cancer screening from the age of 45, a reduction from the previous age of 50.