Global Surge in Early-Onset Colon Cancer Cases; India Reports the Lowest Rates: Research Findings
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New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) The incidence rates of early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC), commonly referred to as colon cancer, among adults aged 25-49 are witnessing a global increase; however, India has recorded the lowest incidence rate among 50 countries, as indicated by a new study.
The findings, published in The Lancet Oncology, reveal that early-onset CRC is on the rise in 27 out of 50 countries/territories worldwide. Notably, 20 of these nations have experienced a more rapid increase in early-onset cases. In addition, young adults in 14 other countries, including the United States, are also seeing a rise in rates while stabilizing in individuals aged 50 and above.
In contrast, India has demonstrated the lowest incidence rates for both early-onset and among the older demographic.
“The increase in early-onset colorectal cancer is a global concern,” stated Dr. Hyuna Sung, senior principal scientist at the American Cancer Society, who led the research. Dr. Sung noted that this trend was previously observed only in affluent Western nations but has now gained a broader reach.
The primary objective of the study was to analyze the current trends in CRC incidence among young adults compared to older adults, utilizing data collected until 2017 from 50 countries/territories.
Countries such as Chile, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Ecuador, Thailand, Sweden, Israel, and Croatia reported a more significant rise in early-onset CRC among men compared to women. Conversely, young women in England, Norway, Australia, Türkiye, Costa Rica, and Scotland experienced more rapid increases.
Among 13 countries showing rising trends in both age groups, the annual percentage increase in young adults was greater than in older adults in Chile, Japan, Sweden, The Netherlands, Croatia, and Finland, while it was less significant in Thailand, Martinique, Denmark, Costa Rica, and similar in Türkiye, Ecuador, and Belarus.
Over the past five years, early-onset CRC incidence rates have been highest in Australia, Puerto Rico, New Zealand, the United States, and the Republic of Korea (14 to 17 per 100,000), with the lowest rates found in Uganda and India (4 per 100,000).
Dr. Sung emphasized the necessity for innovative strategies to prevent and manage cancers associated with dietary practices, lack of physical activity, and obesity.
The expert also advocated for increased awareness regarding the trend and the unique symptoms of early-onset colorectal cancer, which include rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, altered bowel habits, and unexplained weight loss among young individuals to enhance diagnosis.
