Rising Colorectal Cancer Rates Among Young Adults Highlight Urgent Need for Early Screening

CLEVELAND, Ohio - As the fight against colorectal cancer intensifies, doctors are sounding the alarm on rising incidence rates among younger adults, urging proactive screening measures that could save lives. Dana Saunders Sr. is one of many who have faced the devastating impact of this disease. After watching his mother succumb to colon cancer in 2015, he was diagnosed himself at the age of 58, undergoing surgery to remove part of his colon in 2021. Since then, he has adopted a vegan lifestyle and has successfully maintained remission. "The most important thing is being screened and getting all your necessary tests," Saunders emphasizes, underscoring the critical nature of understanding one's family medical history. The urgency for earlier screenings is echoed by medical professionals as colorectal cancer — comprising both colon and rectal cancers — remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Ohio and nationwide. Recent statistics reveal a concerning trend: colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting individuals in their 30s and 40s, a shift that has prompted a reevaluation of screening guidelines. Historically, health experts advised patients to begin regular screening at age 50. However, guidelines are now shifting to recommend screenings starting at age 45, or even earlier for individuals with a family history of the disease. Matthew Kalady, director of the James Colorectal Cancer Center at Ohio State University, explains that "colon cancer takes probably five to 10 years to develop from a normal colon to a polyp to a cancer," highlighting the importance of early detection through colonoscopies. The disparities in colorectal cancer outcomes are particularly pronounced among Black Americans, who are diagnosed at later stages and face a 40% higher mortality rate compared to other racial groups. Kalady notes that access to healthcare and screening is a significant factor in these disparities, stating, "The compliance for screening is also a little bit different in different populations." This emphasizes the need for equitable access to preventive care. For many, the symptoms of colorectal cancer can be vague and easily attributed to other issues. Saunders initially dismissed discomfort in his rib area, only to discover during a colonoscopy that he had polyps and subsequently cancer. His experience serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of neglecting screenings, even in the absence of alarming symptoms. Dr. Ronald Charles, who treated Saunders at University Hospitals, urges individuals not to rely solely on symptoms for diagnosis. "We can't rely on these symptoms at all," he said, reinforcing the essence of proactive screening. In Ohio, the survival rates for colorectal cancer are significantly improved with early detection. The five-year relative survival rate stands at 91% when caught early but plummets to just 16% when diagnosed at a later stage. Statistics from Cuyahoga County indicate that colorectal cancer accounted for 8.4% of cancer deaths from 2016 to 2020, reinforcing the urgent need for enhanced screening efforts. As the medical community rallies for increased awareness and screening measures, individuals are encouraged to prioritize their health and discuss screening options with their healthcare providers. The message is clear: early detection is pivotal in the fight against colorectal cancer, and every screening can make a difference in saving lives.