Gastrointestinal Cancers Rise Fastest Among Adults Under 50 US, Globally

Gastrointestinal cancers, including colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, and esophageal cancers, are rising rapidly among adults under 50, now representing the fastest-growing cancer group in this age category in the U.S. Colorectal cancer is the most common early-onset gastrointestinal cancer, with cases increasing approximately 2% annually since 2011, emphasizing the critical need for adherence to screening guidelines, which currently recommend starting at age 45 for average-risk individuals. Despite these recommendations, screening rates remain low, with fewer than 20% of Americans aged 45 to 49 undergoing screening, highlighting a significant gap in early detection efforts. Experts stress the importance of improving screening access and developing new methods for detecting pancreatic, stomach, and esophageal cancers, which are not routinely screened for in the U.S. Moreover, research from South Australia indicates that colorectal cancer survivors face a higher risk of developing multiple primary cancers, including prostate, lung, breast, and blood cancers, underscoring the necessity for targeted surveillance in this population. Public awareness of bowel cancer symptoms remains insufficient in some countries like New Zealand, where many adults, especially younger individuals, cannot name common symptoms, complicating early diagnosis and prevention efforts.