New study reveals warning signs of colon cancer in young people

The incidence of colon cancer is rising globally, particularly among younger individuals who exhibit different symptoms and often face more aggressive forms of the disease.

In Short

• The research found that patients under 50 are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage
• Symptoms like rectal bleeding and abdominal pain were more common in young people
• The study highlights a persistent rise in the incidence of early onset of colon cancer

Colon cancer cases have been rising globally with a higher prevalence shown in younger people. Researchers have revealed that young people with colon cancer show different symptoms than those who already have been diagnosed with the disease.

The research found that patients under 50 are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage, often after the cancer has spread, possibly because they tend to overlook early health warning signs.

In the study, led by researchers from Taiwan's Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, symptoms like rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, and abdominal pain were more common in young people than those over 50 who are undergoing treatment for the disease.

The analysis showed a steady rise in early-onset colorectal cancer cases, with colon cancer increasing by 3.2% and rectal cancer by 3.3%.

Young patients with colorectal cancer often had more aggressive forms of the disease, like signet-ring cell and mucinous adenocarcinoma, and were more likely to be diagnosed at advanced stages (III and IV).

Even though surgery outcomes were similar, the 5-year survival rate for stage IV early-onset colorectal cancer was lower than that for late-onset disease.

"This study highlights a persistent rise in the incidence of early onset of colon cancer, with patients presenting with more aggressive disease and experiencing inferior survival," the author wrote.

The most common symptoms for colon cancer identified in patients with early onset colon cancer were changes in bowel habits in terms of either constipation or diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding and signs of iron deficiency anemia, according to another research.

The rate of colon cancers grew 500% among children ages 10 to 14, 333% among teens aged 15 to 19, and 185% among young adults ages 20 to 24.

The study suggested that an inactive lifestyle, certain bacteria linked to tumour growth, antibiotic use, and dietary additives could be potential risk factors for colon cancer, though these factors have not been conclusively proven as direct causes.