“The number of young, healthy-looking patients coming through the clinic door has increased significantly.” That’s what colorectal surgeons are reporting, a stark change from the long-held belief that colon cancer primarily affects older adults. The landscape of this disease is shifting, and it’s happening now.
Recently, the incidence of colon cancer among young people in their 20s and 40s has reached the highest level in the world, and the number of people seeking screening is increasing. offered by freepik
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Take the case of a 34-year-old office worker in the Yeouido Securities District. He experienced months of bleeding during bowel movements, initially attributing it to hemorrhoids from long work hours and frequent company dinners. Self-treating with over-the-counter ointment proved insufficient, and he eventually collapsed, leading to a stage 3 colon cancer diagnosis. He later expressed regret over his daily reliance on delivery food and late-night snacks paired with beer to relieve stress. The old adage that “age is evil” simply doesn’t apply when it comes to colon cancer anymore.
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<p contents-hash="930c78b0065c2c77bd4d6273ed3f7fb473466a3c6290fcd89fb859a29438460c" dmcf-pid="y1oM3WwaAG" dmcf-ptype="general">◆Only young people are going backwards</p>
<p contents-hash="02227b4b10ce8661d13fc37a2b0f7c2121792b82cd515afe5e77418bfce94880" dmcf-pid="WtgR0YrNcY" dmcf-ptype="general">While overall colorectal cancer rates are gradually declining, the trend is reversed for adults under 50.</p>
<p contents-hash="4fdf1e4489d4631b5e6559509994d4111a07343f135814130ae0efb8be99bf56" dmcf-pid="YFaepGmjcW" dmcf-ptype="general">According to a report from the American Cancer Society (ACS) released on February 14th, the overall incidence of colon cancer in the United States is decreasing, but it’s steadily rising by 1-2% annually in those under 50.</p>
<p contents-hash="b6d951060b3afff48bcf5cfa5d52e33f683d04dcf84c582f1ce87d6669177afb" dmcf-pid="G3NdUHsAcy" dmcf-ptype="general">The situation in Korea is even more concerning. A comparative study published in the journal *The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology* in 2022 found that the incidence of colon cancer in Koreans aged 20 to 49 is 12.9 per 100,000 population.</p>
<p contents-hash="9766274bf41a4b615c1004615b34f60cd31e420d5cf33c473dc2c254e5d3a596" dmcf-pid="H0jJuXOcjT" dmcf-ptype="general">This ranks first among the 42 countries surveyed, meaning that, relative to population size, young Koreans experience the highest frequency of colon cancer globally.</p>
<p contents-hash="85e08a41857f4749d64c0cadc88e34f09ccb09cbff24017c71aca66638fadd2c" dmcf-pid="XpAi7ZIkcv" dmcf-ptype="general">◆Environment rather than genetics… The culprit is ‘lifestyle habits’</p>
<p contents-hash="b5922c2aa92d8d90bb6581a604e0a699af9b0622aa109f097cc10d4f7e5cc09f" dmcf-pid="ZDB3maPKAS" dmcf-ptype="general">While the causes of colon cancer are complex, experts overwhelmingly point to ‘environmental factors.’</p>
<p contents-hash="1007447f6f1c3ddacf42435916e3ef935eb311fbf80296e8b13142b8ea840624" dmcf-pid="5wb0sNQ9Nl" dmcf-ptype="general">The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) estimates that 70-90% of colorectal cancers are linked to lifestyle factors, including diet, obesity, physical inactivity, and alcohol consumption. Hereditary colorectal cancer accounts for only 5 to 10% of all cases.</p>
<p contents-hash="739fb7e6890c6b3c41ff5a8f72bcd744c1a48ae051a76c5caa9f6a7f030a5e86" dmcf-pid="1rKpOjx2oh" dmcf-ptype="general">Obesity, in particular, is a significant independent risk factor. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) estimates that being overweight or obese can increase the risk of colon cancer by 1.3 to 1.5 times. Frequent consumption of processed meats, alterations in gut bacteria, and chronic inflammation further damage the intestinal lining.</p>
<p contents-hash="e107a73fc5dfed413b72dd187e7401a1312b4e0fb4b286adc5c57dafca459144" dmcf-pid="tm9UIAMVAC" dmcf-ptype="general">Regular alcohol consumption after work is also detrimental. A study published in the American Cancer Society’s journal *CANCER* found that long-term heavy drinkers had a 20-25% higher risk of colon cancer compared to non-drinkers, and the risk of rectal cancer nearly doubled.</p>
<figure class="figure_frm origin_fig" contents-hash="5e19f69c8ef61e713ee7a41b67e35976b48bfbc168bb11d66e3c6aa67cd61b2e" dmcf-pid="Fs2uCcRfgI" dmcf-ptype="figure">
<p class="link_figure"><img alt="Hemorrhoids vs Colon Cancer: Self-diagnosis that can be confusing. Gemini Generated Graphics" class="thumb_g_article" data-org-src="https://t1.daumcdn.net/news/202602/14/segye/20260214053449025svcj.jpg" data-org-width="1024" dmcf-mid="f7UTXyDggy" dmcf-mtype="image" height="auto" src="https://img2.daumcdn.net/thumb/R658x0.q70/?fname=https://t1.daumcdn.net/news/202602/14/segye/20260214053449025svcj.jpg" width="658"/></p>
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Hemorrhoids vs Colon Cancer: Self-diagnosis that can be confusing. Gemini Generated Graphics
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◆Tragedy caused by late discovery
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<p contents-hash="8c18f60936a4ee4e0ddc7545284e4df97b65f407f355763ac166692d0e71ce41" dmcf-pid="0IfzlEd8As" dmcf-ptype="general">The danger of colon cancer in young people lies in its often subtle early symptoms. Abdominal pain or bloody stool, as experienced by the 34-year-old office worker, are frequently dismissed as stress-related issues or hemorrhoids. This dismissal, fueled by the thought, “It can’t be cancer at my age,” allows the disease to progress.</p>
<p contents-hash="1daa2f19fc1c422caaa7f532d1ddcb81c1e16fe200c126d968d3a9ea328cc0a6" dmcf-pid="pC4qSDJ6jm" dmcf-ptype="general">Consequently, many patients are diagnosed at advanced stages. Recognizing this urgency, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) lowered the recommended starting age for colorectal cancer screening from 50 to 45 in 2021.</p>
<figure class="figure_frm origin_fig" contents-hash="b8560eadf3019ffd0e1f6bf18c30cdc7ba35730875d7cc8c4dda741901504c87" dmcf-pid="Uh8BvwiPjr" dmcf-ptype="figure">
<p class="link_figure"><img alt="Colon cancer is more than 70 to 90 percent affected by lifestyle factors such as eating habits and obesity rather than genetics, so changing daily routine is the most reliable method of prevention. offered by freepik" class="thumb_g_article" data-org-src="https://t1.daumcdn.net/news/202602/14/segye/20260214050250759ooqj.jpg" data-org-width="1200" dmcf-mid="PIstYScncZ" dmcf-mtype="image" height="auto" src="https://img4.daumcdn.net/thumb/R658x0.q70/?fname=https://t1.daumcdn.net/news/202602/14/segye/20260214050250759ooqj.jpg" width="658"/></p>
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Colon cancer is more than 70 to 90 percent affected by lifestyle factors such as eating habits and obesity rather than genetics, so changing daily routine is the most reliable method of prevention. offered by freepik
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The Korean medical community also strongly advocates for regular checkups beginning at age 45. The Korean Society of Colon and Proctology recommends considering colorectal cancer screening starting at 45, with closer endoscopic follow-up every 3 to 5 years for individuals with a family history or prior adenomatous polyps.
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<p contents-hash="7fe20b2fe7acf1caf48c31a4b93810c07e1b9a69cd08cd154198947564ec6a20" dmcf-pid="7SPKymLxaD" dmcf-ptype="general">◆Choice to protect your body and wallet</p>
<p contents-hash="2adfd0f10dbc9ef0d021595cc02a848a9fb5fdb8529656afb0e30cfb3b4458b8" dmcf-pid="zvQ9WsoMaE" dmcf-ptype="general">Mayo Clinic recommends a diet rich in fiber, regular aerobic exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding alcohol and smoking as crucial preventative measures. These aren’t grand gestures; simply walking for 30 minutes daily and incorporating strength training twice a week can significantly reduce your risk. Considering the substantial financial and physical toll of cancer treatment, these small daily habits represent a powerful investment in your well-being.</p>
<p contents-hash="a988aee5fa8dc08da83b103dee3b44cde41f9e673eafbf1eda0d5d8dc1a8dbb1" dmcf-pid="qTx2YOgRok" dmcf-ptype="general">Statistics deliver a quiet but clear warning: cancer doesn’t discriminate based on age.</p>
<p contents-hash="fc5dfe9dfe103865e5b95eb2b384af84812ca0b6649b45150fbd0b20be9b926a" dmcf-pid="ByMVGIaeac" dmcf-ptype="general">If you’ve noticed changes in your bowel habits or are experiencing unexplained abdominal pain, schedule an appointment with a doctor promptly, even while researching nutritional supplements online. This proactive step is the most reliable way to save time, money, and potentially your life.</p>
<p contents-hash="9a0ee5ca11da1c405944555ff52a06795cf48dfe2e1e40bce0f5031027c64103" dmcf-pid="bWRfHCNdjA" dmcf-ptype="general">Reporter Kim Hyun-joo</p>
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