Actor James Van Der Beek died on Wednesday at the age of 48, shortly after announcing that he had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, a disease that is increasingly common among young people. So what are the symptoms of colorectal cancer? The New York Times published a detailed report in this context.
What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?
Statistics in the United States show that early cases of colorectal cancer in people under the age of 50 have risen by 1 to 2 percent annually since the mid-1990s, according to the American Cancer Society. The highest increases were observed among the youngest age groups.
While deaths from cancer have generally declined significantly in recent decades, deaths from colorectal cancer among adults under 50 have risen. The disease is now the leading cause of cancer-related death in adults in this age group, surpassing lung and breast cancer.
There’s no clear, definitive reason for the rise, but “we know there’s not one reason,” said Dr. Aparna Parikh, a gastrointestinal oncologist and chief of the Young Adult Colorectal Cancer Center at the Massachusetts General Brigham Cancer Institute.
Dr. Parikh explained that between 20 to 30% of early cases of colorectal cancer may be caused by genetic mutations, but environmental and lifestyle factors appear to have a greater influence in the remaining cases.
For example, the change in colorectal cancer rates over time shows a pattern known as the “baby boomer effect,” in which successive generations – starting in the 50s – show an increased risk compared to the previous generation. This pattern suggests that lifestyle habits and exposure to environmental factors that have become more common in recent decades play a role. Scientists suspect that these factors may include increased use of antibiotics, exposure to microplastics and so-called “permanent chemicals,” lack of physical activity, or increased consumption of processed foods and sugars.
Causes of colorectal cancer
Regarding colorectal cancer symptoms, some evidence suggests that diets high in red and processed meat and sweetened beverages, and low in fruits, vegetables, and dietary fiber, increase the risk of colorectal cancer. These diets may upset the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut and promote chronic inflammation. Alcohol and tobacco use are also known risk factors for colorectal cancer, as is obesity, which has been specifically linked to an increased risk of developing the disease at an early age.
Some research also suggests that exposure to certain agents very early in life, such as E. coli infection in early childhood, may alter the genome and accelerate cancer development.
Dr. Parikh noted that colorectal cancer in younger people, compared to older adults, is more likely to be discovered on the left side of the colon or in the rectum, suggesting a difference in how these cancers develop. It is also likely to be diagnosed in advanced stages.
Current guidelines recommend that people at average risk begin routine colonoscopies at age 45 years. Dr. Parikh said people with a history of high-risk polyps in a parent or a family history of colorectal cancer should start screening at a younger age. She added that anyone experiencing unusual symptoms should see their doctor. These symptoms include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, or recent anemia.
Mr. Van Der Beek had said that he began having problems defecating in 2023. When his condition did not improve with changing his diet, he underwent a colonoscopy, which revealed that he had cancer.
