Colon and rectal cancer, collectively referred to as colorectal cancer, is one of the most common forms of cancer worldwide.

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., with an estimated 52,980 deaths occurring in 2021 alone.

What is Colon and Rectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer begins when abnormal cells form in the colon or rectum. The growth of these cells can lead to the formation of a tumor, which can then spread to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early.

Most colorectal cancers start as a polyp, a non-cancerous growth on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Over time, some polyps can become cancerous.

Risk Factors for Colon and Rectal Cancer

Several factors can increase a person’s risk of developing colon or rectal cancer. These include:.

Age: The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age. Most cases occur in individuals over the age of 50.
Family history: Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer are at a higher risk of developing the disease themselves.
Genetics: Certain genetic conditions, such as Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), can increase a person’s risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Personal health history: A personal history of colon or rectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or certain types of polyps can increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Lifestyle factors: A diet high in red meat and processed foods, lack of physical activity, and smoking can increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Colon and Rectal Cancer Rates

Over the past few decades, the incidence of colon and rectal cancer has been on the rise in both men and women.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the incidence of colorectal cancer increased by 1.3% per year from 2008 to 2017.

While the overall incidence of colorectal cancer has been increasing, the rates of the disease among younger individuals have been particularly concerning.

According to a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, the incidence of colon and rectal cancer has been increasing among adults under the age of 50 in the U.S. and 12 other countries.

Possible Causes of the Rise in Colon and Rectal Cancer Rates

The exact causes of the rise in colon and rectal cancer rates are not yet fully understood. However, several factors may be contributing to the increase. These include:.

Obesity: The rising rates of obesity may be contributing to the increase in colon and rectal cancer rates. Obese individuals are at a higher risk for developing colorectal cancer.
Dietary changes: The Western diet, which is high in red meat, processed foods, and sugar, has been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. As more people adopt a Western diet, the incidence of colorectal cancer may continue to rise.
Sedentary lifestyle: A lack of physical activity has been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. As more people lead sedentary lifestyles, the incidence of the disease may continue to rise.
Screening practices: The increase in colon and rectal cancer rates among younger individuals may be partly due to changes in screening practices. Historically, screenings for colorectal cancer have been recommended for individuals over the age of 50. However, recent studies have suggested that the disease may be more common among younger individuals. As a result, some experts have recommended earlier screening for certain high-risk groups.

Preventing Colon and Rectal Cancer

While the exact causes of colon and rectal cancer are not yet fully understood, several steps can be taken to reduce the risk of developing the disease. These include:.

Adopting a healthy diet: Eating a diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in red meat, processed foods, and sugar can lower the risk of colorectal cancer.
Getting regular exercise: Regular physical activity can lower the risk of colorectal cancer.
Quitting smoking: Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Screening for colon and rectal cancer: Regular screenings can help detect colorectal cancer early, when it is most treatable.

Conclusion

While the rise in colon and rectal cancer rates is concerning, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing the disease.

By adopting a healthy lifestyle, getting regular screenings, and staying informed about the latest research on the disease, individuals can protect their health and reduce their risk of developing colorectal cancer.