Our Conversations Webinar Series is an opportunity to link national experts in colorectal cancer and other related fields to you, right in the comfort of your own home. The programs are designed to empower you to play a leading role in you healthcare management.
On September 17, we hosted “Colon Cancer Under 50: Latest Update On the Numbers,” where UC Irvine Health hematology-oncology specialist Jason Zell, DO, discussed the rise in colon cancer in those under 50, as well as new research showing that the science behind this disease is changing—even if statistics say the risk remains relatively low.
Dr. Zell coauthored a recent study with UC Irvine Health colorectal surgeon Michael Stamos, MD, entitled “Colorectal Cancer Incidence Among Young Adults in California” that was published in the Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology.
If you missed the webinar, you can still watch the replay and get the top 5 takeaways!
- The risk of colon cancer is on the rise in people under 50. This trend is consistently shown across different types of research studies and from different investigators. While the cause of this rise is unknown, it’s important to recognize the changing pattern of this disease in the young adult population.
- Awareness of these changing trends is needed to improve outcomes. Spreading awareness about the changing trends in colon cancer incidence is important for patients, and healthcare providers, for prompt recognition and early detection.
- It’s important to remember that the overall risk of colon cancer in those under age 50 is still quite low compared to the risk in older individuals. Current screening guidelines reflect the huge burden of this disease among the U.S. population over age 50.
- More research is needed to understand how colon cancer in young people is different from colon cancer in older populations. There’s a lack of information on the biology of young onset colon cancer, as well as a lack of knowledge about the underlying risk factors. We need more research to help explain these issues.
- More research is also needed to understand how we can best identify high risk individuals who need screening and how to avoid colon cancer diagnosis delays in people under 50. Through additional research, we can significantly improve outcomes in young adults with cancer.
Special thanks to UC Irvine Health for sponsoring this webinar.
Be sure to download the slides on our website . Don’t forget, the Colon Cancer Alliance serves as a source of information about colon health. If you have additional questions about colon cancer screening or are in need of support, please contact our free Helpline at (877) 422-2030. We’re here to help.