The Rising Tide: Understanding and Addressing Colorectal Cancer in Young Adults

In recent years, a concerning trend has emerged as colorectal cancer rates are increasing significantly among adults under 50. At OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, research teams are working tirelessly to understand this troubling shift while providing groundbreaking treatment for patients of all ages.

While the exact causes are being studied, researchers at Stephenson Cancer Center, in collaboration with leading institutions nationwide, have identified several potential factors contributing to this rise. Changes in dietary patterns, increased sedentary behavior, and environmental factors may all play a role. Stephenson Cancer Center experts are particularly focused on understanding how Oklahoma's unique environmental and demographic factors might influence these trends.

The American Cancer Society reports that adults born in 1990 have twice the risk of colon cancer compared to those born in 1950. This stark increase led to new guidelines recommending colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 45 for average-risk individuals.

“As the state's only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Cancer Center, we're uniquely positioned to track and respond to these changing patterns,” said OU Health colon and rectal surgeon Dr. Kristina Booth, M.D., FACS, FASCRS, associate professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. “Our researchers are particularly focused on understanding how this trend affects Oklahoma's diverse populations, including our rural and Native American communities, who may face unique barriers to early screening and detection.”

Screening: Earlier is Better

Dr. Steven N. Carter, M,D., FACS, FASCRS, a colon and rectal surgeon at OU Health and assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at OU College of Medicine, emphasizes the importance of early detection: Annual screenings have now moved from age 50 to age 45.

“While often times younger patients can ignore certain symptoms like bleeding, hemorrhoids, constipation, and other bowel movement changes, it is important to talk to your physician about these symptoms,” Dr. Carter said. “Most of the time colonoscopy can reassure you, but even when it finds a cancer, if caught early, the cancer is often curable.”

For young adults, recognizing warning signs is vital. These include:

• Persistent changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of stools
• Rectal bleeding or blood in stool, regardless of other symptoms
• Unexplained weight loss or decreased appetite
• Chronic fatigue or weakness
• Abdominal pain, cramping, or persistent discomfort

Don't dismiss these symptoms as temporary inconveniences. Many young adults delay seeking medical attention, attributing symptoms to hemorrhoids, stress or dietary changes. This delay can lead to more advanced disease at diagnosis.

Prevention Strategies for Young Adults

Taking proactive steps can help reduce your risk. Stephenson Cancer Center experts suggest:

• Maintaining a Healthy Diet: Focus on a diet high in fiber that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting processed meats and excessive red meat consumption. The nutritionists at Stephenson Cancer Center work closely with patients to develop personalized dietary plans that promote gut health and overall wellness.

• Staying Active: Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces cancer risk. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly. Research suggests that active individuals have a significantly lower risk of developing colorectal cancer.

• Limiting Alcohol and Avoiding Tobacco: Both substances are known risk factors for colorectal cancer. Our smoking cessation programs can help you quit and reduce your risk.

• Managing Stress: Chronic stress may impact gut health and overall well-being. Consider stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or regular exercise.

Expert Care When You Need It

If diagnosed with colorectal cancer, Stephenson Cancer Center offers comprehensive, personalized treatment plans utilizing the latest advances in cancer care.

“When colon cancer is caught in its early stages, it is often more localized and can be surgically removed or treated with less aggressive therapies,” Dr. Carter said. “This reduces the need for more extensive treatment and the risk of cancer spreading to other parts of the body.”

Stephenson Cancer Center’s multidisciplinary team includes surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and support specialists who work together to deliver optimal outcomes. We understand that younger patients face unique challenges, and our team provides specialized support for work-life balance, fertility preservation, and emotional well-being throughout treatment.

For young adults with colorectal cancer, genetic testing can be crucial. Approximately 20% of patients under 50 have hereditary factors contributing to their diagnosis. Our genetic counseling team can help identify inherited risk factors and guide prevention strategies for family members.

Take Action Today

Don't wait for symptoms to appear. Talk to your healthcare provider about your personal risk factors and appropriate screening schedule. Through awareness, early detection, and expert care, we're committed to reversing the rising tide of young-onset colorectal cancer. Together, we can work toward a healthier future for all Oklahomans.

Learn more about comprehensive, multidisciplinary cancer care at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center and our colon and rectal cancers services, or schedule your screening by calling (405) 271-3635.