Colorectal Cancer's Alarming Rise Among Young Adults Demands Early Screening Action

In recent years, colorectal cancer has emerged as a significant health concern, particularly among younger adults. This alarming trend has prompted a chorus of medical professionals to advocate for earlier screenings and heightened awareness of the disease, especially for those with a family history. Dana Saunders Sr. is a poignant example of how colorectal cancer can impact families. He witnessed the heart-wrenching decline of his mother, who succumbed to colon cancer in 2015. Three years later, at the age of 58, Saunders himself received the same diagnosis. After surgery to remove a part of his colon in 2021, he made drastic lifestyle changes, including adopting a vegan diet. Today, he remains in remission, but not without a significant lesson learned: the importance of screenings and understanding one’s family medical history. “You must know your background,” he emphasizes, “but the most important thing is being screened and getting all your necessary tests.” Colorectal cancer, encompassing both colon and rectal cancers, ranks among the most prevalent forms of cancer in Ohio. Medical experts are now urging individuals to begin screening at age 45, and even earlier for those with a familial predisposition to the disease. Matthew Kalady, director of the James Colorectal Cancer Center at Ohio State University, notes that early screening can be a game-changer. “Colon cancer takes probably five to 10 years to develop from a normal colon to a polyp to a cancer,” Kalady explained. “The idea is that a colonoscopy can identify these polyps and remove them before they become cancer.” The rising incidence of colorectal cancer among younger populations is troubling, and while the reasons behind this surge remain unclear, lifestyle factors and gaps in medical screening appear to play crucial roles. Dr. Ronald Charles from UH Seidman Cancer Center points out that many younger patients tend to ignore vague symptoms, which hinders timely diagnosis. These symptoms can include discomfort, weight loss, and changes in bowel habits, but Dr. Charles warns against relying solely on them to signal potential issues. “Therein lies the difficulty in using these symptoms as a marker for the disease,” he said, underscoring the importance of regular screenings. Particular attention is being paid to the disparities faced by Black Americans, who are diagnosed at later stages and are statistically 40% more likely to succumb to the disease compared to other racial groups. Research from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center highlights that the primary factor contributing to this disparity is not biological, but rather access to high-quality screening and cancer care. Kalady reiterates that healthcare access and compliance with screening protocols vary significantly among different populations. Saunders' journey serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of timely intervention. Initially diagnosed after a colonoscopy revealed polyps, he regretted delaying follow-up screenings for a decade. Had he received earlier care, he might have avoided the cancer altogether. The statistics surrounding colorectal cancer are alarming. In Cuyahoga County, the disease accounted for 8.4% of cancer deaths between 2016 and 2020, second only to lung cancer. Yet, when detected early, the five-year relative survival rate for colorectal cancer in Ohio stands at 91%. This figure plummets to a mere 16% when the cancer is diagnosed later. Doctors believe that greater awareness and increased screening among younger individuals can lead to significant reductions in these statistics. As more people, like Dana Saunders, share their stories, the hope is that others will take heed and prioritize their health by getting screened early and advocating for comprehensive care.