Colorectal cancer in young adults Colon cancer and rectal cancer cases are on the rise amongst young adults. We’re here, fighting by your side. Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share on Twitter Copy this URL Share via Email While approximately 90% of colorectal cancer cases occur in people over the age of 50, since the mid-1990s, new cases of colon cancer in young adults (under 50 years old) are on the rise. This includes rectal cancer cases. "By 2030, the incidence of early-age onset (EAO) CRC — diagnoses under age 50 — is predicted to increase by more than 140%, meaning more than 27,000 people under age 50 will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer. We must act now." — Anjee Davis, Fight Colorectal Cancer President Many young adults are being overlooked because colon cancer screening doesn’t typically begin until age 45 or 50, due to evidence-based guidelines set by the United States Preventive Task Force (USPSTF). A debate exists whether it’s worth it to begin screening young adults for colorectal cancer at an earlier age, considering risk factors and barriers that come with medical procedures such as the risk of perforation, taking off work, etc. While adjusting screening guidelines could help catch cases of colorectal cancer in earlier stages, large issues still exist; no one knows why there's an increasing incidence of colorectal cancer in young people. Fight CRC is working to answer these questions through funding colorectal cancer research and convening experts who treat colon cancer in younger adults. latest research on COLORECTAL CANCER IN YOUNG ADULTS Preventing colorectal cancer in younger people There are unique challenges facing the “under 50” community, but there are several ways to prevent colorectal cancer. Education about colon cancer in young adults As advocates, we must be committed to education. Here’s what we mean: Educate providers and medical professionals of the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer in the under 50 population (like this study). Educate family members around the importance of sharing personal and family history with relatives – including adenomatous polyps and cancer. Increase patient awareness to know when to be screened based on family history. Educate people not to ignore other risk factors. Don’t delay screening when it’s been recommended. Genetic Testing and Family History We know that 20-30% of all colorectal cancer patients have a family history of CRC and 3-5% of patients have an inherited genetic syndrome. Some genetic syndromes may include Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), MUTYH-associated polyposis, certain hamartomatous polyposis conditions or others. In 2017, Medical Advisory Board member Heather Hampel of Ohio State worked on a study that found 16% (one out of every six) of CRC patients diagnosed under the age of 50 carried an inherited susceptibility. Read more about the study and implications. Researchers concluded that due to this high percentage, genetic counseling and multigene panel testing should be considered for ALL patients with early-onset CRC. Learn more about hereditary CRC. Get help finding a genetic counselor. Colon cancer symptoms in people younger than 50 It is extremely important to talk to your healthcare provider about signs and symptoms, such as (but not limited) to: Blood in the stool Abdominal pain Unintentional weight loss If you feel like your provider is not taking you seriously about signs or symptoms, advocate for yourself and if needed, find another provider. It is important to remember that you need to follow-up and have a colonoscopy if it’s recommended. Studies note almost half of patients did not follow up on a colonoscopy when recommended and signs and symptoms were present! Who decides when you need to get screened and the screening age The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) makes colorectal cancer screening recommendations for average-risk patients. (Some of the same tests used to screen for colorectal cancer are used for diagnostic procedures for patients presenting with symptoms.) How are the Guidelines Set? Those who set the screening guidelines identify potential risks for screening. Sometimes these risks may outweigh the benefits for preventive screening for an entire population (like all people under age 50). At the core of the guidelines is the answer to this question, “at what age do we reduce screening to provide optimal benefit and minimal risk?” This is a question we must keep asking. As advocates at Fight CRC, here’s how we continue to stay engaged: We comment when the USPSTF solicits public feedback on guideline revisions. We support further research that will provide a body of evidence needed to make any guideline changes. In the case of screening guidelines, we have to stay vigilant. And we’ve seen it work: In May 2018, the American Cancer Society (ACS) updated their screening guidelines for average-risk adults to begin at age 45 rather than 50. Read more about the guideline change here. * In 2016 the USPSTF concluded there is insufficient evidence to reduce the average-risk screening age. Changing the screening guidelines must be grounded in published research and research takes time and funding. We can’t pick an arbitrary age to reduce to; read our response to the 2016 recommendations So… The Screening Age is Now 45? The American Cancer Society (ACS) updated their screening guidelines for average-risk adults. They recommend screening begin at age 45 rather than age 50. Read more about the guideline change here. We were involved in this research and we know there are many questions about this change. See below for some of the common questions and our responses: Why Reduce the Age to 45 and Not 40, 35 or Younger? The modeling studies suggested there would be benefit in finding and preventing cancer at age 45, but the studies didn’t show reduction of incidence for ages lower than that. It’s important to remember the age is set for the average-risk population (not those at increased or high-risk, or those who have signs or symptoms). Will Insurance Start Covering Colonoscopy at Age 45? Some insurance plans may follow the ACS screening guidelines, but many follow USPSTF guidelines. It’s important to have a conversation with your healthcare provider to understand when screening is recommended for you, and to call your provider and ask what your plan covers and which screening guidelines the insurance carrier follows. Is the “Get Screened at 50” Recommendation Gone, or Does it Still Apply? The ACS recommends the average-risk screening age starts at age 45, but USPSTF and many others have not updated, so different guidelines will follow different strategies. It Was Previously Recommended That African Americans Get Screened at 45; Does This Mean They Should Get Screened at 40 Now? The USPSTF guidelines recommend African Americans begin screening at age 45. Although the ACS’ new recommendations suggest 45 for average-risk populations, African Americans should continue to follow the recommended screening guidelines and speak to their doctors if they have any concerns or signs and symptoms. Does This Apply to All Screening Options? The new guidelines allow for FIT/FOBT annually, sDNA every three years, colonoscopy every 10 years, CT colonography every five years, and flex sig every five years. Read more about screening options. Cologuard is Only for Those 50+…is That Still the Case or Will it Be Lowered Too? Cologuard, or sDNA, is listed as one of the approved screening modalities. I Have a Genetic Syndrome and Qualify as High Risk – How Does This Change Impact Me? The ACS guidelines are for the average-risk population. Those who are at increased risk or high risk based on genetic and family history will have different guidelines for prevention. Resources for the Community Early-Age Onset Workgroup The Early-Age Onset Colorectal Cancer (EAO CRC) Workgroup was created in response to the increasing incidence of young adult colon cancer and rectal cancer. Experts involved include epidemiologists, biostatisticians, oncologists, and researchers from the United States, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. The goal of the workgroup is to prioritize the research agenda and understand the best approaches towards understanding EAO CRC (another term for colorectal cancer in young adults).LEARN MORE Research and Publications Fight CRC’s patient education and research team, along with committed medical experts, aims to lead the path to a cure for colorectal cancer. A vital part of this is funding ground-breaking research through donations and playing key roles in research ourselves. Our expert workgroups are essential to this process.Our Research Webinars Many of our free webinars and podcasts are targeted to the community of young adults facing colorectal cancer, with the purpose of addressing issues specific to this group of patients and caregivers. Be sure to sign up for our emails to get notified of upcoming topics.Webinars Podcasts Fight CRC's Taboo-ty Podcast aims to confront the "taboo" topics facing many young survivors.Listen now The Colon Club The Colon Club is one of our partner organizations who exists to raise awareness, educate, and help those with colorectal cancer, particularly those diagnosed under age 45, along with their community of support.Learn More