Pisa, Italy – Colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting younger adults, raising concerns among oncologists. Diagnoses are rising in individuals under the age of 50, a trend first observed in the United States and now evident in Europe for approximately five years. Currently, one in eight colorectal cancer diagnoses are in people under 50 and projections estimate that by 2030, colorectal cancer will be the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the 30-50 age group. This increase in early-onset colorectal cancer is a significant public health issue, as it challenges traditional screening guidelines and highlights the need for greater awareness.
Lifestyle Factors and Increased Risk
“Among the hypotheses regarding this increase in the tumor, there are ultra-processed foods, which are associated with a greater development of polyps in the colon, the gateway to colon cancer if they are not intercepted in time,” explained Chiara Cremolini, Professor of Medical Oncology at the University of Pisa and a member of the national board of AIOM (Italian Association of Medical Oncology), to Adnkronos Health. “Then there’s exposure to antibiotics in childhood, smoking, and alcohol. And we know very well that among young people, there has not been a reduction in tobacco and alcohol consumption, quite the contrary.”
Approfondisci:
Inseguire sogni e passioni anche quando la realtà è contro di te: cosa ci ha insegnato Dawson (e perché ne abbiamo già nostalgia)
The recent passing of actor James Van Der Beek, who died on February 12, 2026, at age 48 after a battle with colon cancer, has further highlighted this concerning trend. He publicly disclosed his diagnosis in 2024. Cremolini emphasized the need for secondary prevention efforts, promoting healthy lifestyles – avoiding alcohol, smoking, and ultra-processed foods, and embracing a Mediterranean diet and regular physical activity – particularly in this age group.
An Aggressive Disease
Cremolini underscored the importance of recognizing symptoms early: abdominal pain, alternating diarrhea and constipation, prolonged and intense fatigue, weight loss, and blood in the stool. “These symptoms are the same for everyone, but young people tend to underestimate them because they don’t think they can develop colon cancer at 38,” she said. “they arrive at diagnosis later.”
Approfondisci:
Il cuore trapiantato al bimbo di due anni ‘carbonizzato’ dal ghiaccio secco: “Da 50 giorni in coma, è un incubo”
In younger patients, the disease appears to be more aggressive. “It is particularly aggressive,” Cremolini stated, “and despite treatment, the results are less brilliant and young people die sooner. We don’t know the reasons, but there may be a link to molecular and biological factors: it very much depends on what the tumor is like.”
Approfondisci:
Luke Perry, Shannen Doherty e James Van Der Beek: gli ‘angeli’ dei teen drama anni ‘90 volati via. Addio a un pezzo dell’adolescenza dei Millennials
Van Der Beek reportedly funded treatment costs through an auction of memorabilia from his career in 2024. “I knew that too,” Cremolini added. “Cancer drugs are very expensive. In addition to chemotherapy, there are anti-vomiting drugs, the staff administering the therapy, the facility, and so on. We are talking about hundreds of thousands of euros. In Italy, if it weren’t for our National Health Service, only the wealthy could access these therapies, whereas the vast majority of people would not be able to get treatment. Fortunately, in our country, patients do not pay.” She concluded by emphasizing the importance of prevention, symptom awareness, and the value of a universal healthcare system in ensuring access to care.
Joshua Jackson, James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes e Michelle Williams: il cast di Dawson’s Creek
