May 13, 2024, 1:32 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Colorectal cancer is mostly associated with people over 50–less so with young people or even teenagers and children. However, a new study took a closer look at the numbers and found: Children and adolescents are increasingly affected by colorectal cancer. FITBOOK editor Janine Riedle summarizes the latest findings.
In Germany, around 60,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year.1 In its early stages, the disease can manifest as constipation, blood in the stool, diarrhea, and changes in stool. In many cases, however, the disease is only detected at a late stage–for example, when excessive fatigue and weakness, weight loss, or bowel obstruction occur. But it is not only older people who are affected. According to a study to be presented at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2024 in Washington, more and more children and adolescents are also developing colorectal cancer.
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Overview
Division into Different Age Groups
The researchers used information from the Centers for Disease Control’s Wonder Database for their study.2 To track the development of colorectal cancer cases, the scientists examined the period from 1999 to 2020. They focused on the following age groups:
- Group 1: Children aged 10 to 14 years
- Group 2: Adolescents aged 15 to 19 years
- Group 3: Young adults aged 20 to 24 years
- Group 4: Young adults aged 25 to 29 years
- Group 5: Adults aged 30 to 34 years
- Group 6: Adults aged 35 to 39 years
- Group 7: Adults aged 40 to 44 years
The scientists not only analyzed how many people developed colorectal cancer during their 20-year study period but also looked more closely at certain risk and lifestyle factors. Risk factors included a family history of inflammatory bowel diseases or colorectal cancer. Obesity, tobacco and/or alcohol consumption, and dietary habits were also part of the analysis.
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Particularly, Colorectal Cancer Rates Increased Among Children and Teenagers
Alarmingly, a drastic increase in colorectal cancer rates among younger people was observed during the study period. The following groups were particularly noticeable:
- Group 1:
Among children aged 10 to 14, the rate increased from 0.1 per 100,000 inhabitants in 1999 to 0.6 per 100,000 in 2020. This represents a 500 percent increase. - Group 2:
About 0.3 per 100,000 inhabitants were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their teenage years in 1999, rising to 1.3 per 100,000 in 2020. Thus, the rate among 15- to 19-year-olds increased by 333 percent. - Group 3:
In 1999, 0.7 per 100,000 inhabitants aged 20 to 24 were affected. By 2020, this number rose to two per 100,000 inhabitants, marking a 185 percent increase in risk.
These numbers illustrate that more and more younger people are affected by the disease. However, a significant increase was also observed in Group 5 (ages 30 to 34), with the rate rising by 71 percent. In Group 6 (ages 35 to 39), this figure was 58 percent.
Contributing Factors
The analysis revealed several factors that contribute to colorectal cancer. According to the study, in addition to the already mentioned risk factors, a low intake of fiber, consumption of processed meat or sugar-sweetened beverages, and a high-fat diet are also contributing factors. Lack of exercise and the use of antibiotics can also promote the disease.
Possible symptoms were also observed. “The most common symptoms of colorectal cancer found in patients with early-stage colorectal cancer were changes in bowel habits in the form of constipation or diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and signs of iron deficiency anemia,” explained lead researcher Islam Mohamed, an internal medicine physician at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, in a press release.
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Even though increases of 500 percent (ages 10 to 14) or 333 percent (ages 15 to 19) sound very alarming, Mohamed emphasizes that the numbers, at 0.1 and 1.3 per 100,000 inhabitants, are still low. Too low, in any case, to recommend widespread colonoscopy screening in these age groups. Nevertheless, there is a strong increase that should not be ignored.
“Colorectal cancer is no longer seen as a disease of the older population,” Mohamed said in the press release about the study. The study results highlight the importance of educational measures regarding colorectal cancer, which should already be carried out by parents for their children and continue into young adulthood. “It is important for the public to be aware of the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer.”
Study Classification
It should be noted that the investigations were based on data obtained, among other things, through patient surveys. Therefore, it is not guaranteed that the information is always accurate.
More about the study will be announced on May 20 at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2024 in Washington.