Colorectal cancer now leading cause of cancer death for Americans under 50

Research published in JAMA using American Cancer Society data reports that colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related death among U.S. adults aged 50 and younger, even as overall cancer deaths in that age group fell about 44% since 1990.

Colorectal cancer has become the top cause of cancer-related death for U.S. men and women aged 50 and younger, according to research from the American Cancer Society published in JAMA. The study analyzed national mortality data over multiple decades to compare deaths from different cancer types in this age group. While cancer deaths overall in people under 50 have declined since 1990, colorectal cancer mortality in the same group has risen. Researchers and clinicians cited in the article say the reasons are not fully understood and that investigation is ongoing. Key findings: - The American Cancer Society analysis published in JAMA finds colorectal cancer now kills more people under 50 than any other cancer type. - Overall cancer deaths for people under 50 have dropped about 44% since 1990, while colorectal cancer is the only major cancer showing a rise in mortality in that age group. - The article quotes Dr. Aparna Parikh noting a likely interplay of individual risk factors, early exposures and lifestyle, and listing family history, obesity, smoking, heavy alcohol use, diets high in red and processed meats, inflammatory bowel disease, and history of polyps as commonly cited risk factors. - The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation cited in the article is to begin average-risk colorectal cancer screening at age 45 and continue through age 75, with decisions between 75 and 85 individualized. Summary: The study highlights a shifting pattern in cancer mortality for younger adults, with colorectal cancer now the leading cause of cancer death in people 50 and younger despite overall declines in cancer deaths for that group. Undetermined at this time.