Colorectal Cancer Rates on the Rise Among Gen X and Millennials

Roy Dressner D.O., FACS, attending colon and rectal surgeon, Monmouth Medical Center

Colorectal cancer rates are on the rise among young and middle-aged adults in the U.S. according to a study recently published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. The study, which was conducted by the American Cancer Society, determined that although most new cases do occur in older Americans, colon and rectal cancer rates are increasing rapidly in adults in their 20s and 30s.

Due to the assumption that adults in their 20s and 30s do not need to be screened, Gen X and Millennials are being affected by the disease more than any other group in recent years. As American’s over 55 have seen the number of new cases drop, younger adults are seeing their number rise. Researchers first noticed an alarming rise in younger patient diagnoses four decades ago and began to track statistics for the study. By comparing different generations at similar ages, the study found that people born around 1990 have double the risk of developing colon cancer and quadruple the risk of developing rectal cancer when compared to individuals born around 1950.

While on the rise, incidences of colorectal cancer in younger adults still remain relatively low. According to data from the study, the disease will be diagnosed in one in 100,000 people in their 20s compared to 50 in 100,000 for people in their early 60s. Currently colorectal screenings and colonoscopies are recommended at age 50 for individuals with an average risk level and earlier for those with a family history of cancer.

Colorectal cancer often does not have symptoms right away and by the time symptoms appear, the cancer may have grown or spread to other organs, which may make treating it harder. That’s why routine screening is important for those 50 and over. Younger and older adults should know the warning signs and symptoms and should tell their health care provider and get prompt medical attention if they notice any of these symptoms:

• A change in bowel habits that lasts for more than a few days, including diarrhea, constipation, or a sensation that your bowel is still not empty after a bowel movement

• Bright red or very dark blood in your stool

While some screening recommendations are currently under review, I urge anyone regardless of age experiencing the symptoms above to speak to their health care provider immediately. Individuals of any age can reduce their risk by making lifestyle changes to support overall wellness and colon health by:

• Reducing consumption of red meats and processed foods

• Including more vegetables, fruits and whole grains in their diet

• Exercising at least 30 minutes a day, five times a week

• Maintaining a healthy weight with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 18-25

• Stopping smoking and / or using tobacco

For high risk individuals, the Leon Hess Cancer Center at Monmouth Medical Center offers a High Risk Cancer Assessment Program that is designed to evaluate, educate and closely monitor those at high risk for developing cancer. Created for individuals and families who are concerned about their risk of developing cancer due to their medical and family history, environmental factors and lifestyle choices, its main goal is to educate and provide cancer screening and prevention recommendations for individuals at high risk for developing the disease. For more information call 732-923-6575.

Monmouth Medical Center offers comprehensive screenings and advanced colorectal procedures to prevent, diagnose and treat a variety of colorectal conditions. For more information about the Comprehensive Digestive Center at Monmouth Medical Center, colorectal cancer screenings, and colorectal surgery at Monmouth Medical Center, call 732-923-6070 or visit http://www.barnabashealth.org/MonmouthMedicalCenter.

RWJBarnabas Health proudly supports the “80% by 2018” national initiative, led by the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable. Colorectal cancer is the nation’s second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths and is one of only a few cancers that can be prevented through proper colorectal cancer screening. “80% by 2018” is a national initiative in which over five hundred organizations are working toward the shared goal of 80% of adults aged 50 and older being regularly screened for colorectal cancer by 2018. Colorectal cancer screening saves lives. Join us is spreading the word about the importance of preventative screening. Visit www.rwjbh.org/80by18 for further information and to find a gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon.