An Intolerable Forecast of Future Young Onset Colorectal Cancer Incidence

Colorectal cancer incidence rates in those under the age of 50 have been rising- so much so that predictions expect colon cancer cases to increase by 90% and rectal cancer cases to increase by 124% in young adults by 2030.
- Fight Colorectal Cancer

The significant rise in the last 25 years and the forecasted near-future growth in incidence for colon and rectal cancer in young adults (20-49) is truly startling...worrying...and honestly is downright unacceptable. 

As a demographic, young adults are vulnerable to undetected growth of colorectal polyps and tumors.  Overall incidence across our entire population has been going down year over year, most likely due to screening from procedures like colonoscopies (see above chart), and it is a testament to the tireless efforts of many health professionals to get the 50+ aged adults to get properly screened for colorectal cancer. 

Conversely, the increase in incidence within young adults is particularly dangerous when coupled with the fact that a significant majority of young adults do NOT have ANY form of access to CRC screening, only those who are identified early on as at “high risk”.

As a result of this – you, your sisters, brothers, daughters or sons can really only advocate for THEMSELVES when SYMPTOMS arise... It is important to remember that once symptoms arise, colorectal cancer is often no longer the easily treatable condition that it is when found as a pre-cancerous polyp or early stage tumor.

How can we impact this situation? 

Scientists, doctors and epidemiologists are trying to identify the causes of the rising incidence, and while there aren’t any definitive answers yet, there are some likely culprits.

Looking at the data holistically, the average person knows at LEAST one person who is a survivor, is currently fighting, or has lost their battle with colorectal cancer specifically, let alone all forms of cancer.  Based on the odds we're seeing these days - if you don’t already know someone with colorectal cancer, you will by 2030.  As we near that date, it's more and more likely that the person you know who is going to face colorectal cancer will be a young adult (i.e., younger than 45 years old).

For young adults, the short answer to this is that we need to know about it. Most people we speak to about young onset colorectal cancer had no idea it is becoming more prevalent in young adults, and that young adult crowd is also the least likely group to immediately pay attention to information about colorectal cancer.

Get Advocating! Like right now…

This is a dire situation.  And it is NOT tolerable. How can you help?  Share this information on social media.  Talk with your family and friends about the symptoms, warning signs and red flags.  Educate yourself, and talk with your local medical providers. 

Should you not be met with respect and if you have symptoms and you are not believed by your doctor, seriously get a second, or third option if you must.  Don't stop. If Symptoms Persist, Insist!

A Quick Reminder of Symptoms

RED FLAGS:

• Rectal Bleeding – seriously, you SHOULD NOT bleed from your rectum for a long period of time.  And even if you think you have hemorrhoids?  GET CHECKED.  Don't take no for an answer!

• Blockage - A stool blockage can occur for many individuals, however it is also a common symptom for undiagnosed colorectal cancer patients. GET CHECKED.  Don't take no for an answer!

• Narrow Stool - on occasion, narrow stool can occur during bouts of stomach viruses or food poisoning, however over a long period of time, it is not normal to experience narrowed stools. GET CHECKED.  Don't take no for an answer!

OTHER KEY SYMPTOMS:

• Changes in Bowel Habits – this can be any major change in your stools from your long term normal, if the changes are sustained over a period of time.  As noted in the red flags, for rectal cancer this is especially true if your stools become thin or if you face repeated bouts of extreme constipation or blockage...GET CHECKED.  Don't take no for an answer!

• Bloating, Gas, Cramping Pain, Discomfort or Weakness – these symptoms can be associated with many conditions, but particularly if you experience these in combination with one or more of the above symptoms...GET CHECKED.  Don't take no for an answer!

• Unexplained Weight Loss – this is literally NEVER a good thing.  If you lose substantial weight and you aren't trying – GET CHECKED.  Don't take no for an answer!

SAVE A LIFE: Be a community of advocates!

If you have any interest in helping our nonprofit in ANY way, please do reach out to us on our contact page, or at sara@loveyourbuns.org.  We’d love to hear from you!

Love Your Buns is a non-profit initiative aiming to remove stigma and improve awareness around rectal cancer, its prevalence and its symptoms. A growing epidemic in young adults, rectal cancer is easy to remove if caught early, however due to a variety of reasons, young adults are not likely to seek screening options like colonoscopies. This gap in screening is leading to more advanced disease at diagnosis and more challenging and strenuous treatment. We're working to Educate young adults to increase awareness of the signs and increasing prevalence of Rectal Cancer and to Empower informed decision making and Improve quality of life in Survivorship.
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