Cases of colon cancer are rapidly increasing in individuals under the age of 50, prompting concerns among medical professionals. Experts are emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and warning of insufficient screening rates. This trend highlights a growing need for increased awareness and preventative measures for younger populations.
The recent death of actor James Van Der Beek at age 48 from colon cancer has brought renewed attention to the rising incidence of the disease in younger adults. Several other artists under 50 have also succumbed to colon cancer in recent years. Professor Helen Coleman from Queen’s University Belfast reported that cases of colorectal cancer in those under 50 have increased by approximately one-third since the 1990s.
‘NO LONGER A DISEASE OF Ancient AGE’
General Surgeon Professor Dr. Cem Terzi, speaking to Milliyet’s Didem Seymen, stated that colon cancer should no longer be considered solely a disease of older adults. “In 1995, one in ten patients was under the age of 55, whereas today, approximately one in five diagnosed patients are in that age group. This is an alarming increase.” Professor Terzi also noted that cancer statistics in Turkey are not entirely reliable, leading to a reliance on studies from Western countries.
DELAYED DIAGNOSIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM
Colorectal cancer typically develops from precancerous growths called polyps and tends to progress slowly. Early detection significantly improves treatment success rates, exceeding 90 percent. In Turkey, current guidelines recommend fecal occult blood testing every two years and colonoscopy every ten years for individuals between 50 and 70 years old. These screenings are offered free of charge through family health centers and KETEMs (Centers for Cancer Early Diagnosis and Screening). Still, Professor Dr. Terzi points out that access to these services is limited, and current programs do not adequately include younger individuals. The United States lowered the recommended screening age from 50 to 45 in 2021. Experts agree that delayed diagnosis is a significant issue for younger patients.
MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:
- Rectal bleeding
- Unexplained iron deficiency and anemia
- Abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Changes in bowel habits and narrowing of the stool
Rectal bleeding is observed in 46 percent of young cases, compared to 26 percent in those over 50. This difference underscores the importance of investigating these symptoms promptly in younger adults.
‘CANCER IS INCREASING Due to the fact that THE ENVIRONMENT IS POLLUTED’
Approximately one-third of colorectal cancer cases have a family history, although 70 percent do not. This demonstrates that the belief that “it won’t happen to me if there’s no family history” can be misleading. Factors such as obesity, consumption of red and processed meats, and physical inactivity increase the risk, but experts believe that lifestyle factors alone do not fully explain the increase. Professor Dr. Cem Terzi explained, “Cancer is increasing because the environment is polluted. The air, water, and soil are polluted. Pesticides, industrial waste, asbestos, and fossil fuels pose serious risks.”
A LATE-STARTING SCREENING PROGRAM
Professor Dr. Cem Terzi noted that despite more aggressive treatments, survival rates for young patients are comparable to those of older patients. He attributes this to the fact that cancer in younger individuals often has a more aggressive biology. Terzi stated, “Cancer is a product of environmental policies, workplace safety, diet, urbanization, and the health system. But the system places the responsibility on the individual. The problem isn’t the patient, it’s the delayed screening program.” Experts emphasize that early diagnosis is crucial in colorectal cancer, and any instances of rectal bleeding or unexplained anemia should be thoroughly investigated.
