Colon Cancer Cases in Under-55s Reach 1 in 5 as Screening Age Drops to 45
Updated
Updated · Hindustan Times · Aug 2
Colon Cancer Cases in Under-55s Reach 1 in 5 as Screening Age Drops to 45
1 articles · Updated · Hindustan Times · Aug 2
Summary
Nearly 1 in 5 new colorectal cancer cases now occur in people under 55, reflecting a 30-year rise in younger adults, oncologist Dr. Ravi K. Gupta said.
Low-fiber diets, ultra-processed foods, sugary drinks and repeated antibiotic exposure may be reshaping the gut microbiome, with some E. coli strains and Fusobacterium nucleatum linked to colorectal cancer in studies.
Obesity, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance and low physical activity may also raise risk by driving chronic inflammation and hormonal changes, including higher insulin and IGF-1 levels.
The American Cancer Society has lowered average-risk screening to age 45 from 50, while people with strong family history, inflammatory bowel disease or hereditary syndromes may need earlier checks.
Blood in stool, persistent bowel changes, unexplained weight loss and iron-deficiency anaemia should be evaluated promptly, as early detection remains critical even though the disease is still relatively uncommon in younger adults.