Breaking the age stereotype: colon cancer surges in youth

Colorectal cancer once considered a disease of aging populations, is increasingly affecting younger adults — a concerning trend that has caught the attention of health experts worldwide. The death of actor Chadwick Boseman in 2020 at just 43 years old brought attention to the growing number of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases in people under 50, changing views on who is more at risk.

During Colon Cancer Awareness Month, we delve into the factors that are driving this alarming shift. Discover how genetic testing is emerging as a powerful tool in the prevention and early detection of CRC.

Surge in Early-Onset CRC

New research published in The Lancet Oncology demonstrated a sharp increase in CRC diagnoses among young adults. Between 2013 and 2017, 27 out of 50 countries studied reported rising incidence rates in individuals under 50. While North America and Europe continue to see escalating numbers, countries in Eastern Europe, South-Central and Southeastern Asia, and South America are also witnessing significant spikes.

This shift is believed to be driven by changes in diet, lifestyle, urbanization, and environmental factors. To prevent and treat this issue, early screenings, healthier diets, and greater public awareness are crucial. Experts warn that without these intervention, the situation could worsen in the coming decades.

Life Factors Fuel Rise

Studies suggest that excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods, red and processed meats, and sugary beverages may increase inflammation and cancer susceptibility.

For instance, A study conducted in Kazakhstan found that meat consumption among participants was nearly twice the World Cancer Research Fund’s recommended limit of 500 grams per week. Additionally, only 8.6% of respondents reported eating fish at recommended levels, potentially contributing to nutritional imbalances that could heighten cancer risk.

Obesity, another key risk factor, has also been linked to CRC. Excess body fat promotes chronic inflammation and disrupts metabolic processes, yet the full extent of obesity’s role may be underestimated. A review of 18 studies found that many CRC patients experience unintentional weight loss before diagnosis, meaning traditional measures of obesity’s impact could be complex.

Genetics Drive Inherited Risk

Early-onset CRC is frequently associated with hereditary cancer syndromes, including Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis, according to Dr. Alexei Tsukanov, head of the Laboratory of Genetics at the National Medical Research Center for Radiology. These conditions result from genetic mutations in tumor-suppressor genes, increasing the likelihood of developing CRC at a young age.

Early detection is critical, yet many individuals ignore warning signs such as persistent changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, and abdominal pain.

Dr. Tsukanov stated the importance of genetic testing for families with a history of CRC. "Identifying a hereditary mutation allows us to implement lifelong clinical monitoring and early intervention, significantly improving survival rates," he explains.

Innovative technologies like BGI Genomics’ COLOTECT® Stool DNA Methylation Test identifies CRC-related genetic markers (SDC2, ADHFE1, and PPP2R5C) through stool DNA analysis, offer a promising solution for non-invasive early detection.

Public Awareness for Early Screening

In many nations, including those in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, CRC screening programs are inconsistent. Some countries, such as Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Latvia, and Georgia, have structured national screening initiatives, while others rely on opportunistic testing, leading to gaps in early detection.

"To improve early detection, we must educate both healthcare providers and the public about the importance of screening," says Jemma Arakelyan, an advisor at the Immune Oncology Research Institute and CEO of The Institute of Cancer and Crisis in Armenia.

Colorectal cancer is no longer just a disease of the elderly. It is increasingly affecting younger adults, largely due to unhealthy lifestyle choices. This growing trend calls for urgent action from governments, healthcare professionals, and individuals to promote awareness, improve diets, encourage healthier lifestyles, and expand access to early screenings. The time to act is now.

About COLOTECT®

COLOTECT® is a non-invasive fecal DNA test developed by BGI Genomics for detecting CRC and precancerous lesions. It uses multiplex methylation-specific PCR (MSP) technology to trace abnormal DNA-methylation biomarkers in CRC from stool samples. COLOTECT® has a sensitivity of 88% for detecting CRC, and a sensitivity of 46% for the early detection of advanced adenomas—both of which outperform conventional fecal tests.

About BGI Genomics

BGI Genomics, headquartered in Shenzhen, China, is the world's leading integrated solutions provider of precision medicine. Our services cover more than 100 countries and regions, involving more than 2,300 medical institutions. In July 2017, as a subsidiary of BGI Group, BGI Genomics (300676.SZ) was officially listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.