For the past two decades, colorectal cancer has been on the rise in younger individuals with minimal understanding as to what's causing this increase. As of 2021, the average age for colon cancer screenings now start around 45, which is five years earlier than what was previously set as the average age for screening. This change was a direct result of the notable rise of colorectal cancer diagnoses in individuals under 50. The term used to describe cancer affecting younger individuals is known as "early-onset" cancers.
What is the science behind cancer?
You might be wondering what really is cancer? Every cell in your body has an identical copy of DNA within it. Cells are constantly replicating that DNA and dividing to create more cells, all which should have that identical DNA. With each round of replication and division, mistakes can occur, where mutated (altered) DNA gets passed down to daughter cells. By definition, cancer is a series of mutations that eventually bypass the security checkpoints your body has in order to prevent these mutated DNAs from getting passed down, and eventually these mutated cells spread throughout the body.
An easier way to think about this is as such: Imagine you have to write and rewrite a book every time you want to make a copy of it to distribute. Eventually, no matter how many times you write it, you are likely to make some errors. With enough books with errors, some people could be reading something completely different than what you wrote in the original book. While this is an exaggerated scenario, it can help visualize the concept underlying genetic mutations and how they arise.
Latest findings
A recent study conducted by a team of international experts in oncology (study of cancer) made several discoveries that could help create a greater understanding of who is at a higher risk of colorectal cancer. The researchers conducted a Genome-Wide-Association-Study (GWAS), which is a scientific method that analyzes human genome sequences of a vast number of individuals with a trait of interest. In this case, the trait of interest was the presence of colorectal cancer. They looked at genomes from individuals with colorectal cancer, as well as without it in order to draw comparisons between the two groups.
By conducting a GWAS, researchers are able to analyze any correlations between variations in the genome and draw conclusions based on those findings. Within this research, the main findings were that increased alcohol consumption as well as obesity were statistically significant risk factors for developing colorectal cancer. It is important to note that these risks are modifiable, and that this data shows a correlation between the risk factors and cancer, not causation.
As aforementioned, cancer is caused by the accumulation of genetic mutations. While we strive to make choices that keep us healthy, the reality that many Americans face is that being healthy all of the time can consume a lot of time and resources. More studies are beginning to shed light on the social determinants of health, and how health disparities are largely tied to socioeconomics, accessibility to resources, among other factors.
Studies like these investigate the multifaceted nature of cancer, revealing how both genetic predispositions and lifestyle factors are significant risk factors for early-onset colorectal cancer. Intertwining the epigenetic and biological realms of topics like cancer requires a holistic approach that integrates social policies advocating for health equity with modern medical interventions in order to bring quality care to all.
If you'd like to learn more about this data, linked below are:
The original study:
Article by Diane Mapes at the Fred Hutch News Service that dives deeper into the topic:
https://www.fredhutch.org/en/news/center-news/2024/03/study-digs-into-whats-driving-early-onset-colon-cancer.html?utm_campaign=hutchnews_march24&team=marcom&utm_source=luminate&utm_medium=email&creator=fh Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board