A recent study published in the Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology has revealed that early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC) is on the rise globally in individuals aged 40 to 49 years. The study analyzed data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 and found a heavy disease burden in various regions and countries.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide in terms of incidence and the second highest in terms of mortality. EO-CRC refers to cases diagnosed in patients younger than 50 years. Previous studies have focused on all patients under 50, but this study specifically explored the disease burden in individuals aged 40 to 49 years.
The study utilized indicators such as incidence, mortality, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) to assess the impact of EO-CRC. DALYs represent the years of healthy life lost due to premature death and disability. The research also examined the relationship between the economic development of countries and territories and the DALYs rate for EO-CRC.
In 2019, there were 56,655 new cases of EO-CRC in individuals aged 40 to 44 years, with 21,446 related deaths. The prevalence of EO-CRC was 358,410 cases, and the number of DALYs reached 1,035,331. The global incidence and prevalence rates of EO-CRC increased between 1990 and 2019, while mortality and DALYs remained stable.
For individuals aged 45 to 49 years, there were 92,991 incident cases of EO-CRC and a prevalence rate of 121.73 per 100,000. The study observed an increase in incidence and prevalence rates in this age group as well.
Certain countries, such as Taiwan, Monaco, and the United States, had the highest incidence rates of EO-CRC in individuals aged 40 to 44 years. Taiwan, Portugal, and Monaco also had the highest rates in individuals aged 45 to 49 years. The study projected that the incidence rate of EO-CRC in individuals aged 40 to 49 years would increase by 20.1% by 2030, along with a 3.5% increase in mortality.
While the study sheds light on the increasing burden of EO-CRC, there were certain limitations. The reasons for the rise in incidence and prevalence rates in individuals aged 40 to 44 years remain unclear, and the data on specific countries and regions were not as comprehensive as desired.
In conclusion, this study highlights the growing prevalence of EO-CRC in individuals in their 40s. As incidence rates continue to rise, it is crucial to further investigate the factors contributing to this trend and develop strategies for early detection and prevention.
Reference:
Tang X, Peng J, Huang S, et al. Global burden of early-onset colorectal cancer among people aged 40-49 years from 1990 to 2019 and predictions to 2030. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. Published online September 15, 2023. doi:10.1007/s00432-023-05395-6
