Historically, colorectal cancer was seen as a disease of later life. More recently, however, the increased incidence of cancer affecting the lower intestinal tract in the younger age group has been reported. Here, Pathology in Practice Science Editor Brian Nation looks at a selection of current research focusing on this emerging healthcare challenge.
The Young: Early-Onset Colon Cancer
Cohen D, Rogers C, Gabre J, Dionigi B. Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2024 Jul 2;38(3):173–8. doi: 10.1055/s-0044-1787883. eCollection 2025 May.
Early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC), characterised by diagnosis before the age of 50 years, has emerged as a significant healthcare challenge with increasing global incidence. While traditional risk factors such as family history and inherited syndromes contribute to EO-CRC, a substantial proportion of cases remain sporadic, necessitating further investigation into additional aetiological factors.
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