ACS: Early-onset colorectal cancer cases on the rise

A report from the American Cancer Society (ACS) has found that early-onset colorectal cancer cases are on the rise around the world.

ACS researchers reported surges in early-onset colorectal cancer incidence rates in 27 of 50 countries/territories in a study that was published December 11 in Lancet Oncology.

"The increase in early-onset colorectal cancer is a global phenomenon," said lead author Hyuna Sung, MD, in a statement released by the ACS. "Previous studies have shown this rise in predominately high-income Western countries, but now, it is documented in various economies and regions worldwide."

Sung and colleagues compiled data from the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents Plus (CI5) collaboration, examining colorectal cancer incidence rates from 1943 to 2017 and quantifying information by age at diagnosis. The team found the following:

• In the last 10 years, incidence rates of early-onset colorectal cancer among individuals between the ages of 25 and 49 years increased in 27 countries, with the greatest annual increases in New Zealand (4%), Chile (4%) and Puerto Rico (3.8%).
• For the past five years, incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer was highest in Australia, Puerto Rico, New Zealand, the U.S., and the Republic of Korea (14 to 17 per 100,000) and lowest in Uganda and India (4 per 100,000).

"The global scope of this concerning trend highlights the need for innovative tools to prevent and control cancers linked to dietary habits, physical inactivity, and excess body weight," Sung said. "Ongoing efforts are essential to identify the additional factors behind these trends and to develop effective prevention strategies tailored to younger generations and local resources worldwide."