Colorectal Cancer Rates Significantly Rising among Younger Adults and Teens, According to New Research

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The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) significantly rose over a 22-year period in US adults aged less than 45 years, with the “most striking” increase of 333% observed in those aged 15 to 19 years, according to new data.¹

Findings will be presented during Digestive Disease Week 2024, being held May 18-21, 2024, in Washington, DC.

“This data reveals some very concerning trends, particularly in our younger population who do not typically come to mind when considering CRC screening for patients,” presenting author Islam Mohamed, internal medicine resident at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, said in a DDW press release.²

Although CRC has historically been more prevalent among older adults, recent trends showing rising incidence among younger individuals, particularly those aged less than 45 years, have prompted organizations including the American Cancer Society and the US Preventive Services Task Force to lower the recommended age to initiate CRC screening from 50 to 45 years.

To examine the incidence of CRC in younger adults, Mohamed and colleagues used data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention WONDER database from 1999 to 2020. Individuals were grouped into 5 age groups: 10 to 14 years, 15 to 19 years, 20 to 24 years, 25 to 29 years, 30 to 34 years, and 40 to 44 years. Mohammed and colleagues reported incidence rates per 100 000 population and calculated percentage increase by comparing 1999 rates with 2020 rates, according to the study.¹

Investigators observed “notable shifts” in the incidence of CRC across all age groups during the study period. They found CRC incidence rose by¹:

• 500% in participants aged 10 to 14 years
• 333% in those aged 15 to 19 years
• 185% in those aged 20 to 24 years
• 68% in those aged 25 to 29 years
• 71% in those aged 30 to 34 years
• 58% in those aged 35 to 39 years
• 45% in those aged 40 to 44 years

Although participants aged 40 to 44 years had the lowest percentage increase of 45% compared to the other age groups, they experienced the highest incidence rate, peaking at 21.2 per 100 000 individuals in 2020. The next highest incidence rate in 2020 was 11.7/100 000 individuals among those aged 35 to 39 years, followed by 6.5/100 000 among those aged 30 to 34 years, 3.2/100 000 among those aged 25 to 29 years, 2/100 000 among those aged 20 to 24 years, 1.3/100 000 among those aged 15 to 19 years, and 0.6/100 000 among those aged 10 to 14 years.¹

The results underscore a need for further investigation into the factors driving these concerning trends, emphasizing the importance of early screening and preventive measures, especially among younger age groups,” Mohamed et al concluded.¹

Mohamed will present the study abstract “Evolving trends in colorectal cancer incidence among young patients under 45: a 22-year analysis of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wonder Database” on Monday, May 20, at 12:30 pm ET, during the session titled “Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders.”

References:

1. Mohamed I, Abosheaishaa H, Salem A, et al. Evolving trends in colorectal cancer incidence among young patients under 45: a 22-year analysis of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention WONDER database. Presented at: Digestive Disease Week; May 18-21, 2024; Washington DC.
2. Alarming increases in CRC incidence among younger adults. News release. American Gastroenterological Association. May 10, 2024. Accessed May 14, 2024. https://news.ddw.org/news/alarming-increases-in-crc-incidence-among-younger-adults/