Colon cancer deaths are on the rise nationwide, and the increase is most pronounced among adults under the age of 50, according to Dr. Hatem Shoukeir, GI Clinical Director at the Catholic Medical Center. The disease now ranks as the second most fatal cancer in the United States, with projections estimating about 55,000 deaths in 2026.
Multiple factors driving the surge
Dr. Shoukeir explained that several factors contribute to the upward trend. “Patients are raising concerns sooner, physicians are better trained, and diagnostic testing has improved,” he said. He emphasized that the notion that young patients are immune to cancer no longer holds true.
Red‑flag symptoms to watch for
Primary‑care physicians are urged to refer patients promptly to gastroenterologists when they encounter warning signs such as iron deficiency, abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and unexplained weight loss. Delays between symptom onset and diagnosis can make the disease harder to treat, especially when patients do not alert their doctors.
Statistics and age‑specific concerns
Over the past 10 to 20 years, there has been at least a 2% increase in colon cancer diagnoses across all age groups. However, the rise among younger adults is especially troubling because the disease tends to be more aggressive. In the 20‑to‑49 age bracket, colon cancer is the leading cause of cancer‑related death for men and the second leading cause for women.
Screening recommendations
Current guidelines recommend beginning routine colon cancer screening at age 45. Dr. Shoukeir noted that, given the accelerating rates, the recommended age may be lowered in the future. He stressed that a patient’s medical and family history remains the most critical factor.
“There are a few genetic syndromes that predispose patients to early cancers,” he said. “If a first‑degree relative—brother, sister, mother, or father—had colon cancer at a younger age, you need to discuss this with your doctor.” For those with known genetic risk, testing and screening should begin earlier than the standard age.
What families can do
Families are encouraged to be proactive: track any gastrointestinal symptoms, maintain open communication with healthcare providers, and consider genetic counseling if there is a strong family history of colon cancer. Early detection remains the most effective tool for improving outcomes.
Dr. Shoukeir’s remarks underscore the importance of vigilance, especially for younger adults who may not consider themselves at risk. By recognizing symptoms early and adhering to screening recommendations, patients can improve their chances of successful treatment.
Original reporting: WMUR (Hearst) – local news — read the source article.
