Colorectal cancer is on the rise in younger populations aged 20 to 49, reports a new study published in JAMA Surgery.  The research team found that, overall, the incidence for colorectal cancer declined between 1975 and 2010.  When separated by age, there was a steady decline in individuals 50 years of age and older.

The trends were less optimistic for individuals under the age of 50.  For these patients, there were increases in incidence of localized, regional, and distant colon and rectal cancers.  Using trends between 1975 and 2010, the researchers projected rates of increase by 2030.  For patients between 20 and 34, colon cancers will increase by 90 percent and rectal cancers by 124.2 percent.  For patients between 35 and 49, colon cancers will increase by 27.7 percent and rectal cancers will increase by 46 percent.

Medical News Today reports that colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S.  In 2013, it accounted for approximately 142,820 new cases and 50,830 deaths.  Individuals aged 50 years and older are thought to be at the highest risk.  As a result, there has been an increase in colonoscopy screenings.  This increase in screening is considered to be the reason for a decline in overall incidence.  Between 1998 and 2006, there was a three percent decline per year for men and 2.4 percent decline per year for women.

In addition to age, there are additional risk factors for colorectal cancers.  There are several behavioral factors including physical inactivity, obesity, and a poor diet.  These behavioral risk factors could be targeted to help curb the incidence rate in younger populations.  That, combined with existing screening options, could help decrease the incidence and mortality rate of colorectal cancer.