By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
OLEAN — Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths of Americans over age 50. March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
New studies show it has also become the leading cause of cancer deaths in individuals age 50 and younger, Cattaraugus County Public Health Director Dr. Kevin D. Watkins told members of the Board of Health Wednesday.
“This is a milestone that occurred actually seven years earlier than what was expected,” Watkins said. New research shows the incidences of colorectal cancer in those 50 and younger is growing at a rate of 1% per year while other top cancers are decreasing.
The research showed people born after 1960 “appear to have a higher underlying risk of developing colorectal cancer than the previous generation,” Watkins said. “So if you are a member of Gen Z, then you have a higher risk.”
In younger adults, there is a greater number of cancers “occurring in the rectum and lower part of the large intestine closest to the rectum.” Watkins said. In earlier generations, colorectal cancer occurred in the large intestine closer to the small intestine.
Lifestyle factors including increased obesity, sedentary lifestyle, alcohol use, diet, changing gut microorganisms and environmental exposures are believed responsible for the earlier onset of colorectal cancer in younger individuals.
The American Cancer Society estimates 108,860 cases of colon cancer and 49,990 cases of rectal cancer. An estimated 55,230 people will die this year from colorectal cancer, Watkins said.
In New York, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer, with about 4,600 men and 4,200 women diagnosed last year.
In 2022, 41 individuals — 23 men and 18 women — in Cattaraugus County were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, for a rate of 39.1 per 100,000. There were 14 deaths — eight men and six women — for a combined mortality rate of 12.7 per 100,000.
Watkins pointed out that current recommendations call for colorectal screening of adults ages 45-75, with a colonoscopy considered the “gold standard” in screening. In Cattaraugus County, the number of adults who have been screened for colorectal cancer is 72.3%, which is above the Healthy People 2030 rate. The statewide rate is about 73%.
Watkins said about only about 56% of people between 40 and 45 have been screened for colon cancer. “We really need to bump that number up as well.”
Colorectal cancer risk factors include age, family and personal health history, obesity, physical activity, diet and other lifestyle factors including alcohol and tobacco use.
Preventive action can include: a diet low in animal fat, increasing physical activity, staying healthy and avoiding alcohol and tobacco use.
