The incidence of colon cancer and rectal cancer continues to increase in people under 50 years of age. American researchers have identified the main risk factors for early-onset colorectal cancer in men.
After studying the figures for the incidence of colorectal cancer Between 1974 and 2013, scientists from the American Cancer Society discovered a worrying trend: since the mid-1980s, the incidence of colon cancer among 20-30 year olds has increased by 1 to 2% each year. And the incidence of rectal cancer has increased by 3% each year among 20-30 year olds and 2% among 40-54 year olds.
“Now, 3 out of 10 rectal cancers are diagnosed in patients who are under 55” says Rebecca Siegel, who led the study for the American Cancer Society. “People born in 1990, like my son, are twice as likely to get colon cancer and four times as likely to get rectal cancer than someone born in the 50s at an age comparable” insists the epidemiologist. “And this risk will increase as this generation ages”.
Even those under 45 should feel concerned
Based on this sad observation, researchers at Indiana University (United States) have identified major risk factors for early-onset colorectal cancer in men. Their goal: to help men under 50, and even under 45, to accept the idea that colon cancer screening can concern them too.
For their study, they followed 600 veterans with non-hereditary colon or rectal cancer as well as 2,400 control patients from medical centers across the United States. After identifying 15 variables associated with early-onset colorectal cancer, the researchers then condensed the prediction model to 5 main factors (to be discovered in our slideshow) that are easier for doctors to use to estimate their patients’ risk.
Note that this study only focused on men, because they have twice the risk of colorectal cancer than women, all age groups combined. But another study should be conducted in women by the same team of researchers.
Source :Risk Factors for Early Onset Sporadic Colorectal Cancer in Male VeteransCancer prevention research, June 2023
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2/5 –
Not being on statins
The results of a recent study have indeed shown that people who regularly take statins, a group of drugs that help reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol in the blood, have a significantly lower risk of developing colorectal cancer. .
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3/5 –
To drink alcohol
Alcohol is a known carcinogen for humans, and in particular increases the risk of colon cancer.
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4/5 –
Having a family history of colon cancer
Having a first or second degree relative with colorectal cancer increases the risk of early cancer.
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5/5 –
Have a higher disease burden
Burden of disease is an indicator used by the World Health Organization (WHO) to determine the loss of healthy life of a population. She quantifies the health effects of more than 100 diseases and injuries, including colon cancer.