According to a new report from the American Cancer Society, cited by Business Insider, the trend is not limited to the United States. At least 26 countries are seeing a similar development among people under the age of 50.
At the same time, the disease is often detected late in younger patients.
Data show that about three out of four cases in this age group are only discovered when the disease is already advanced.
This means the illness can be more difficult to treat. Researchers are therefore closely monitoring the trend.
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Researchers search for causes
The report analyzes developments from 1998 to 2022. During this period, the number of cases among people under 50 increased, while it declined among people over 65.
Researchers believe that changes in the environment or lifestyle may play a role.
Cancer epidemiologist Rebecca Siegel from the American Cancer Society told Business Insider that more recent exposures may have increased the risk of the disease.
Diet is often mentioned as a possible explanation. The digestive system is directly affected by what we eat, and eating habits have changed significantly since the mid-20th century.
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A clear shift
The figures also reveal another important development. A larger share of cancer cases now occur in the rectum.
According to the report, rectal cancer today accounts for around one third of all colorectal cancer cases.
At the same time, the number of diagnoses among people under 50 doubled between 1998 and 2022.
Based on these findings, experts now recommend earlier screening than before. Many health authorities now recommend colonoscopy starting at age 45.
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The disease no longer affects only older adults but is increasingly being seen in people in midlife.
Sources: Business Insider, and American Cancer Society.
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