Gastrointestinal cancers, including colorectal, stomach, and pancreatic cancer, are on the rise dramatically among younger adults in the US. According to a recent review published in JAMA, these cancers have become the fastest-growing type of cancers diagnosed in adults under 50.
The review analyzed data from major international and US cancer databases, as well as research papers on gastrointestinal cancers between 2014 and 2025. The authors emphasize the need for increased screening and early detection efforts, particularly for colorectal cancer, which is the most common early-onset GI tract cancer.
Colorectal cancer accounts for nearly 185,000 cases worldwide in 2022, with a significant rise in diagnoses among people under 50 in the US since 2011. Diagnoses have increased by 2% annually, with some high-profile examples including actor Chadwick Boseman, who died of colon cancer at age 43.
Early-onset cases of pancreatic, stomach, and esophageal cancers are also rising. While doctors have a better understanding of the contributing factors for colorectal cancer, others remain less clear.
The review suggests that lifestyle factors such as obesity, lack of exercise, poor diet, and cigarette smoking may be driving these increases. A study included in the review found that women who consumed more sugar-sweetened beverages during adolescence had a higher risk of developing early-onset colorectal cancer.
Health officials and researchers are calling for new ways to screen people for these cancers, particularly pancreatic, stomach, and esophageal cancers. While overall survival rates have improved due to better treatment and screening, younger patients often have worse outcomes despite receiving more aggressive treatments.
The exact reasons behind the rise in gastrointestinal cancers among younger adults remain unclear. However, research suggests that a combination of lifestyle factors, genetic mutations, and possibly differences in gut microbiomes may be contributing to these increases.
Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/gastrointestinal-cancers-are-rising-dramatically-people-50-rcna219104