Listen to Story Colon cancer cases have been rising globally with a higher prevalence shown in younger people. Researchers have revealed that young people with colon cancer show different symptoms than those who already have been diagnosed with the disease. The research found that patients under 50 are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage, often after the cancer has spread, possibly because they tend to overlook early health warning signs.
In the study, led by researchers from Taiwan's Chang Gung Memorial Hospital , symptoms like rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, and abdominal pain were more common in young people than those over 50 who are undergoing treatment for the disease. The analysis showed a steady rise in early-onset colorectal cancer cases, with colon cancer increasing by 3.2% and rectal cancer by 3.
3%. Young patients with colorectal cancer often had more aggressive forms of the disease, like signet-ring cell and mucinous adenocarcinoma, and were more likely to be diagnosed at advanced stages (III and IV). The analysis showed a steady rise in early-onset colorectal cancer cases, with colon cancer increasing by 3.
2% and rectal cancer by 3.3%. (Photo: Getty Images) Even though surgery outcomes were similar, the 5-year survival rate for stage IV early-onset colorectal cancer was lower than that for late-onset disease.
"This study highlights a persistent rise in the incidence of early onset of colon cancer, with patients presenting with more aggressive d.