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New Delhi, Dec 13 (IANS) – Cases of early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC), commonly known as colon cancer, are on the rise among adults aged 25-49 across the globe, according to a new study published in The Lancet Oncology. However, India has emerged as the country with the lowest incidence rates of both early-onset and older-age CRC among the 50 nations analyzed.
The study revealed that 27 out of the 50 countries and territories examined have experienced an increase in early-onset CRC rates. Of these, 20 nations reported a faster rise in early-onset cases compared to older-age cases. Notably, in 14 countries, including the US, the increase is more pronounced among younger adults, while rates have stabilized for those aged 50 and above.
India’s Unique Position
India stands out for its notably low incidence of colorectal cancer, with an early-onset CRC rate of just 4 cases per 100,000 people. In contrast, countries like Australia, Puerto Rico, New Zealand, the US, and South Korea reported the highest rates, ranging from 14 to 17 cases per 100,000.
“The increase in early-onset colorectal cancer is a global phenomenon,” said Dr. Hyuna Sung, senior principal scientist at the American Cancer Society and lead author of the study. She noted that while this trend was initially observed in high-income Western nations, it has now become widespread.
Gender-Specific Trends and Regional Variations
The study found notable gender differences in the rate of increase. Men in countries such as Chile, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Ecuador, Thailand, Sweden, Israel, and Croatia experienced a steeper rise in early-onset CRC compared to women. Conversely, young women in England, Norway, Australia, Türkiye, Costa Rica, and Scotland showed faster growth rates than their male counterparts.
In 13 countries where CRC rates rose for both young and older adults, the annual percentage increase was particularly significant among younger populations in Chile, Japan, Sweden, the Netherlands, Croatia, and Finland.
Driving Factors and Call for Action
Experts attribute the rise in early-onset CRC to lifestyle factors, including unhealthy dietary habits, physical inactivity, and obesity. Dr. Sung emphasized the urgent need for innovative prevention and control strategies. She also called for heightened awareness about the symptoms of early-onset CRC, such as rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, altered bowel habits, and unexplained weight loss, to promote early diagnosis, especially among young adults.
Implications for India and Beyond
While India’s low incidence rates are promising, the global trend serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive measures to maintain these figures. Public health campaigns focusing on prevention, early detection, and lifestyle modifications could be key to addressing the rising global burden of colorectal cancer.
This study underscores the evolving dynamics of cancer incidence worldwide and highlights the need for tailored approaches to tackle the challenge in different regions.
