Local News

More younger adults being diagnosed with colorectal cancer

By Mallika Marshall, MD

March 1, 2023 / 5:41 PM EST / CBS Boston

BOSTON – A new report highlights some disturbing news about younger adults and colorectal cancer.

According to a recent American Cancer Society report, 1 in 5 cases of colon and rectal cancers are among people in their early 50s or younger, almost double the rate back in 1995.

Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman died from colon cancer in 2020 at the age of 43.

And more of these cancers aren't getting picked up until they are at more advanced stages.

The cause for the rapid rise in cases among younger adults is unclear but may be related to environmental or dietary factors.

It's generally recommended that you begin screening for colorectal cancer at age 45 or sooner if you're at higher risk.

Boston

Mallika Marshall, MD

Mallika Marshall, MD is an Emmy-award-winning journalist and physician who has served as the HealthWatch Reporter for CBS Boston/WBZ-TV for over 20 years. A practicing physician Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Dr. Marshall serves on staff at Harvard Medical School and practices at Massachusetts General Hospital at the MGH Chelsea Urgent Care and the MGH Revere Health Center, where she is currently working on the frontlines caring for patients with COVID-19. She is also a host and contributing editor for Harvard Health Publications (HHP), the publishing division of Harvard Medical School.

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