Let’s talk about a not-so-cool topic that’s been making waves in the health world: colorectal cancer, or CRC for short. It’s not exactly dinner table conversation, but it’s important stuff, especially with the trends we’re seeing lately.

Picture this: colorectal cancer has been on the decline in many countries, like the US, New Zealand, and parts of Europe. That’s some good news, right? But hold on to your hats because it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. While some places are seeing a drop in CRC rates, others are experiencing a troubling rise. Take Spain, Italy, Greece, and parts of Asia and Eastern Europe, for example. Yep, CRC is still a major player in the world of cancer, ranking as the third most common and deadly form globally.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. While older folks seem to be catching a break with decreasing CRC rates, younger adults (those under 50) are facing a different story. They’re seeing a rise in CRC cases, and what’s even scarier is that it’s often diagnosed at a later, harder-to-treat stage. Imagine being in your 30s and dealing with that kind of diagnosis. Not cool, right?

So, what’s causing this shift? Well, obesity and lifestyle factors like smoking and heavy drinking seem to be playing a big role. Genetics and changes in our environment might have a hand in it too. But here’s the kicker: we’re still not entirely sure why this increase is happening, which means more research is needed to connect the dots.

Now, when it comes to fighting CRC, screening is our superhero. Catching it early can make all the difference, turning a potentially deadly situation into a manageable one. In places with solid healthcare systems and screening programs, like the US, we’ve seen CRC rates stabilize or even drop. But here’s the thing: current screening guidelines usually start at age 50. With younger folks getting hit by CRC more often, maybe it’s time to rethink those guidelines and start screening earlier.

In Crete, Greece, where CRC trends have been on the rise, researchers are diving deep into the data to understand what’s going on. They’ve been tracking CRC cases over the past three decades and comparing trends between younger and older adults. What they’ve found is eye-opening: CRC rates are climbing among younger adults, especially after 2001, while older adults are seeing a decline. Lifestyle factors like BMI, smoking, and alcohol consumption are also playing a significant role in driving up CRC rates among the younger crowd.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. By shining a light on these trends, researchers in Crete are paving the way for better prevention and treatment strategies. They’re calling for more awareness among healthcare providers and the public, and they’re even suggesting earlier screening programs to catch CRC in its tracks.

So, what’s the bottom line? Colorectal cancer might not be the most glamorous topic, but it’s one we can’t afford to ignore. With rising rates among younger adults, it’s time to take action, raise awareness, and maybe even rethink our screening strategies. After all, when it comes to beating CRC, knowledge is power.

Stay informed, stay healthy!

Sifaki-Pistolla D, Poimenaki V, Fotopoulou I, Saloustros E, Mavroudis D, Vamvakas L, Lionis C. Significant Rise of Colorectal Cancer Incidence in Younger Adults and Strong Determinants: 30 Years Longitudinal Differences between under and over 50s. Cancers (Basel). 2022 Sep 30;14(19):4799. doi: 10.3390/cancers14194799. PMID: 36230718; PMCID: PMC9563745.