Colorectal cancer rising among under-50s, experts warn

ISLAMABAD: The recent death of James Van Der Beek at age 48 has highlighted a concerning rise in colorectal cancer among people under 50 — a trend that remains largely unexplained.

Van Der Beek, best known for his role in Dawson’s Creek, was diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer in 2023. His passing follows a similar case of US actor Chadwick Boseman, who died from the same disease in 2020 at age 43.

According to Helen Coleman, the rate of colorectal cancer among under-50s has risen by roughly one-third since the 1990s. Recent research published in the JAMA journal shows it is now the leading cause of cancer death among young adults in the United States.

While the increase is significant, Coleman emphasizes that the overall number of young cases remains relatively low — only about six percent of all colorectal cancers occur in people under 50. Screening and early detection have helped stabilize or reduce rates among older adults.

Possible Causes

Lifestyle factors such as obesity, poor diet, lack of exercise, alcohol consumption, and smoking may contribute to colorectal cancer, but they do not fully explain the rapid rise in younger patients. Many affected individuals, including Van Der Beek, were previously in good health.

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Researchers are exploring other potential causes, including the gut microbiome. A recent Nature study found DNA mutations linked to a bacterial toxin called colibactin, produced by common E. coli, are more frequent in younger colorectal cancer patients. However, more research is needed to understand whether exposure to this toxin is directly driving the increase.

Other studies have suggested a potential link with repeated antibiotic use, and clinicians report a variety of cancer subtypes among young patients, indicating there may be multiple contributing factors rather than a single cause.

Screening and Awareness

Before his death, Van Der Beek urged people aged 45 and older to monitor symptoms and seek testing. Key warning signs include changes in bowel movements, blood in stools, unexplained weight loss, and persistent fatigue.

In response to rising early-onset cases, the United States lowered the recommended starting age for colorectal cancer screening from 50 to 45 in 2021. Calls are increasing for other countries, such as the UK and France, to follow suit.

Experts stress that early detection can be life-saving, particularly for younger patients who might otherwise dismiss symptoms as minor.