Doctors find shocking new evidence that colorectal cancer on the rise in young adults

Colon cancer is one of the top two most fatal cancers. The Colon Cancer Alliance was founded in 1999 by a group of 41 survivors, caregivers and friends to change that statistic and champion for prevention, cutting-edge research and quality patient support services.

The rate of colon cancer in young adults is rising, and The Colon Cancer Alliance’s CEO, Michael Sapienza, issued a statement earlier this week in response.

The statement was in part a reaction to a study released by the American Cancer Society that confirms the increase of colon and rectal cancers in those under the age of 50, a group that has, in the past, not been viewed as high-risk for this particular cancer.

Yet, Sapienza confirms in his statement that the data surrounding this issue has been around since 2012 and that the disturbing trend of people in the prime of their lives being diagnosed and at a later stage than any other group has started to become a reality for many young adults.

Sapienza says, “The question we’ve been working tirelessly to address – and the question every group needs to be asking – is why.”

He stresses the importance of the acceptance of these facts within the medical community and calls it, “unacceptable and irresponsible,” that even though there has been five years of research studies surrounding colon cancer in young adults, that medical professionals are still misdiagnosing patients based on an outdated stereotype.

Sapienza concludes his statement with stressing the importance of spreading the message to the public, the medical community and legislators that, “you’re never too young for colorectal cancer.”

If you would like more information on The Colon Cancer Alliance, please visit their website at www.ccalliance.org.