The American Cancer Society says colorectal cancer is rising 3% a year among adults under 50.
PHILADELPHIA --It is now the leading cause of cancer death for them and that's prompting concern among doctors. "Even as a specialist in this area, the report is striking," says Dr. Jason Castellanos, a gastrointestinal cancer surgeon at Fox Chase Cancer Center.
The American Cancer Society says colorectal cancer is rising 3% a year among adults under 50 - up 4% among Hispanics, 3% in Asians and Pacific Islanders, and 2% in Blacks. And when they are diagnosed, "75% have advanced disease, meaning it's spread elsewhere and the liver is the number one site," says Dr. Castellanos. He and Dr. Christopher Cann, a medical oncologist at Fox Chase, say the symptoms may seem more benign. "Constipation, diarrhea, some mild abdominal pain, fatigue, or even bloody stools can be attributed to hemorrhoidal bleeding," Dr Cann explains. Actor James Van Der Beek, who died of colorectal cancer at 48, blamed coffee for a change in bowel habits. The doctors say younger adults more often have tumors in the left colon than in the past. And under the microscope, they are more aggressive and chemo-resistant.A hepatic arterial infusion pump used by Dr. Castellanos is an example.The pump delivers high doses of a chemotherapy drug Dr. Cann uses directly to the liver, killing tumors with fewer side effects than when it goes throughout the whole body from a chemo drip.* Adopt a healthy lifestyle with more exercise and less red and processed meats and less alcohol* Get screened starting at age 45And be aware of your body. Don't wait if something changes."41% of those patients waited over six months to see a physician, and nearly two-thirds of these patients saw two or more physicians before they were diagnosed," he says. They say fellow doctors also need to be aware of this trend, and not dismiss the possibility of a cancer. They want everyone to take symptoms seriously.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Body found in search for missing American Airlines flight attendant in Colombia: mayorFox News Channel offers its audiences in-depth news reporting, along with opinion and analysis encompassing the principles of free people, free markets and diversity of thought, as an alternative to the left-of-center offerings of the news marketplace.
Read more »
How to Watch USC Trojans Commits in the McDonald's All-American GameThree USC Trojans commits will participate in the 2026 McDonald's All-American game on March 31 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Read more »
American Troop Casualties Rise as Conflict Intensifies: Over 300 WoundedThe number of wounded American service members in the ongoing conflict has surpassed 300, with recent attacks on a Saudi air base injuring more than two dozen troops. The USS Tripoli, carrying approximately 2,500 Marines, has arrived in the Middle East, further increasing the U.S. military presence. The conflict continues to disrupt global air travel, oil exports, and fuel prices.
Read more »
Body found in Scottsdale canal ID'd as missing woman from Native American community: policeScottsdale police have identified a body found in a canal Saturday morning as a missing 28-year-old woman from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
Read more »
American Airlines Flight 5342: The widowed wives left behindWhen American Airlines Flight 5342 crashed into the Potomac River in January 2025, it killed seven friends who had been on a hunting trip. Now, their widows are learning how to navigate grief together.
Read more »
Celebs in Their 20s, 40s, and 50s Agree the Spring Clogs Trend Is EffortlessMeguire Hennes is the fashion staff writer at Marie Claire, where she breaks down the celebrity looks living rent-free in her head (and yours). Whether a star is walking the red carpet or posing on Instagram, Meguire will tell you who they're wearing and why. When she's not gushing about A-listers from J.
Read more »