Researchers are trying to understand the reasons behind the growing number of young adults developing colorectal cancer before the age of 50.
Colorectal cancer is now the top cause of cancer deaths in men under 50 and the second most common cause in women of the same age in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society. American Cancer Society. The rates of early-onset colorectal cancer are going up by 1% to 2% each year, but the reason for the increase is still not known.
Now, a researcher from Mass General is leading a team to investigate the rapid rise in cases of colorectal cancer among young adults, a disease where cells in the colon or rectum grow uncontrollably. colorectal cancer, a disease in which cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control.
Andrew Chan, the director of epidemiology for the Mass General Cancer Center , is co-leading the global team known as PROSPECT — which received a grant of up to $25 million over five years to study early-onset colorectal cancer. The research team is looking to understand the pathways, risk factors and molecules involved in the cancer’s development.Mass General Cancer Center
“Research suggests that this risk is increasing with each new generation,” said Chan, a gastroenterologist focused on cancer prevention among families at high risk of gastrointestinal cancer, “And is likely linked to exposures in early life and throughout an individual’s lifetime that are specific to their birth cohort.”
The research team has discovered contributing factors to this increase in early-onset cases, such as: being overweight or obese, not being physically active, having a poor diet, and changes in the gut microbiome.
“Despite this progress, these factors do not completely explain the rapid increase in cases, and many questions remain about the mechanisms responsible for the rise in cases,” Chan said.
The team will attempt to identify the risk factors connected to early-onset colorectal cancer and develop prevention methods.
“Uncovering the reasons behind the growing incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer worldwide is one of the top priorities in the field,” Chan said.
“This work will create opportunities for preventive actions that can help younger generations,” Chan added. “In addition to colorectal cancer, there is a growing incidence of multiple cancer types in young adults. The research can serve as a model for the study of other early-onset cancers.”
The research team consists of 11 investigators from nine institutions in five countries, including: Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University, MIT, Broad Institute, and King’s College London.
In the meantime, the widow of the late actor Chadwick Boseman — who passed away from colorectal cancer at the age of 43 — recently visited Dana-Farber Cancer Institute as part of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
Simone Ledward-Boseman was the keynote speaker at the 5th Annual Patient and Family Forum at the Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center.
“Colorectal cancer is taking the lives of young people throughout the country, and most are underestimating their risk,” Ledward-Boseman said. “I’ve seen how this disease progresses, and now I know how treatable it is when it’s detected early… Raising awareness will save lives.”
The American Cancer Society suggests that individuals with an average risk of colorectal cancer should begin regular screening at 45 years old.
People at higher or substantial risk of colorectal cancer may need to begin colorectal cancer screening prior to reaching the age of 45. This includes individuals with: a family history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps; a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease; or a genetic syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer.
