Incidence of colorectal cancer increasing in young adults

The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) among young adults ages 20-39 years has increased during the past 20-30 years, despite declining rates of CRC for the U.S. population overall. This surprising new finding, an analysis of how CRC incidence varies based on race and gender, and differences in tumor location, symptoms, and survival for young adults compared to the general population are presented in Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology (JAYAO), a multidisciplinary peer-reviewed publication from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers . The article is available free on the JAYAO website until February 22, 2015.

In the article "Colorectal Cancer Incidence Among Young Adults in California", Kathryn Singh, MPH, MS, Thomas Taylor, PhD, Chuan-Ju Pan, MD, Michael Stamos, MD, and Jason Zell, DO, MPH, University of California, Irvine, analyzed more than 231,500 CRC cases over a 22-year period, including 5,617 cases affecting young adults. CRC is uncommon in people younger than 50 years of age. Among older adults, screening to detect and remove precancerous polyps has largely contributed to declining CRC rates for the U.S. population as a whole. Across the study period, however, the authors found significant increases in CRC incidence among the 20-29 year and 30-39 year age groups. The data also showed greater CRC risk for certain racial groups, and differences in tumor location and stage at diagnosis for young adults compared to individuals 50 years of age and older.

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About the Journal

Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology (JAYAO) is a quarterly peer-reviewed journal, published online with Open Access options and in print, dedicated to the promotion of interdisciplinary research, education, communication, and collaboration between health professionals in AYA oncology.

JAYAO is the central forum for clinical, research, and professional specialties focused on improving cancer care and outcomes for AYA-aged cancer patients and survivors. Our multidisciplinary editorial board and readership includes but is not limited to: pediatric, medical, and surgical oncologists of all types and specialties; oncology nurses and advanced practice staff; psychosocial and supportive care providers including, psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers; translational cancer researchers; and academic- and community-based pediatric and adult cancer institutions. Complete tables of content and a sample issue may be viewed on the Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology (JAYAO) website.

About the Society

The Society for Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology (SAYAO) is an international professional organization dedicated to improving adolescent and young adult cancer care through the promotion of interdisciplinary research, education, communication, and collaboration among health professionals. Patients and survivors aged 15-39 are a distinct patient population within oncology, and SAYAO focuses on the unique biological, clinical, psychosocial, and survivorship issues of this age group. JAYAO is also the official journal of the Teenage Cancer Trust.