🚨 Alarming pandemic of colorectal cancer in young adults

Just a few decades ago, colorectal cancer was perceived as a disease primarily linked to aging. Today, an unexpected increase in adults under 50 is challenging this view, raising questions in the medical community.

A study published in The Lancet Oncology reveals a marked rise in colorectal cancer diagnoses among young adults in many countries between 2013 and 2017. This trend, initially observed in North America and Europe, is now extending to regions such as Eastern Europe, Asia, and South America, indicating a global phenomenon that requires urgent attention.


Modern dietary habits, characterized by high consumption of ultra-processed foods, red meats, and sugary drinks, are associated with chronic inflammation and an increased risk of cancer. For example, research conducted in Kazakhstan and published in Nutrition and Health indicates that young adults consume nearly double the recommended weekly limit of meat, with only a small proportion meeting the recommended intake of fish. These nutritional imbalances could contribute to the early emergence of the disease by disrupting biological defense mechanisms.

Obesity represents another significant risk factor, as excess body fat promotes inflammation and alters metabolism. However, a review of 18 studies published in the European Journal of Epidemiology highlights that the impact of obesity may be underestimated, as many patients experience unintentional weight loss before diagnosis, complicating the assessment of direct links. This complexity shows that the interactions between lifestyle and health are multifactorial and require integrated approaches to be understood.

Hereditary syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome, play a key role in early-onset colorectal cancer cases, according to experts. These conditions result from genetic mutations in tumor suppressor genes, significantly increasing the risk in young people. Genetic screening can identify these predispositions, paving the way for enhanced clinical surveillance and early interventions that improve survival rates. Innovative technologies, such as fecal DNA tests, offer non-invasive methods to detect specific genetic markers, facilitating rapid diagnosis.

In many regions, colorectal cancer screening programs lack consistency, with structured national initiatives in some countries like Kazakhstan or Lithuania, but gaps elsewhere.

Faced with this trend, coordinated actions including a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and expanded access to screening are essential to reverse the trend. Advances in genetics and diagnostics offer promising tools, but their effectiveness depends on widespread adoption and collective commitment to prevention, in order to protect future generations from this evolving disease.

The process of colorectal cancer formation

Colorectal cancer typically begins with the development of polyps, small benign growths in the wall of the colon or rectum. These polyps can remain harmless for years, but some gradually progress to a cancerous state under the influence of accumulated genetic mutations. These alterations disrupt the normal cell cycle, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation that forms tumors. Over time, if undetected, these tumors can invade adjacent tissues or spread to other organs via the lymphatic or blood systems, which worsens the prognosis.

Several internal and external factors accelerate this transformation, including exposure to dietary or environmental carcinogens.

For example, a diet rich in saturated fats and processed products can induce chronic inflammation of the intestinal lining, promoting DNA damage. Simultaneously, imbalances in the gut microbiome, the community of bacteria present in the digestive tract, can weaken local immune defenses, allowing abnormal cells to thrive. This interaction between diet and intestinal biology illustrates how daily habits directly influence disease risk.

Early detection of polyps through examinations like colonoscopy often allows for their removal before they become cancerous, significantly reducing cancer incidence. However, many polyps go unnoticed in the absence of visible symptoms, hence the importance of systematic screening programs, especially in at-risk populations. Advances in medical imaging and molecular biology improve diagnostic accuracy, but public awareness remains an essential pillar to encourage participation in these preventive initiatives.

Understanding the early stages of colorectal cancer helps develop targeted strategies, such as adapted diets or probiotic supplements, to maintain intestinal health. By combining prevention and technological innovation, it is possible to slow the progression of the disease.