Among young adults, breast cancer deaths are rising faster than bowel cancer
NEWNow you can listen to Fox News articles!
Rectal cancer deaths are rising faster than colon cancer among young Americans, a trend researchers warn will continue to grow without changes in treatment.
Breast cancer death rates are growing two to three times faster than those of colon cancer among adults aged 20 to 44, according to research to be presented at Digestive Health Week 2026 in Chicago.
The data suggests that among older millennials, especially those between the ages of 35 and 44, rectal cancer deaths are expected to increase by 2035.
BRAIN AGING MAY ACCELERATE AFTER CANCER TREATMENT, RESEARCH SUGGESTS
“Colorectal cancer is no longer considered a disease of mainly older adults,” said lead author Mythili Menon Pathiyil, a gastroenterologist at SUNY Upstate Medical University. “Breast cancer, in particular, is becoming a growing problem in young people.”
Researchers analyzed death records from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from 1999 to 2023.
Hispanic adults and residents of Western states experienced the greatest increase in breast cancer mortality. (Getty Images)
Using a machine learning model to predict future trends, the team found that the death gap between the two types of cancer is widening in all types of people.
Hispanic adults and residents of Western states experienced the sharpest increase in breast cancer deaths, the study found.
MOST AMERICANS CLASSIFIED AS ADULTS UNDER NEW DEFINITION, RESEARCH SUGGESTS.
The main concern raised by the study is the delay in diagnosis that is often experienced by young patients.
“Young people are diagnosed with rectal cancer when they’re younger — and often in more advanced, aggressive stages,” Rachel Gordon, MD, a New York surgeon and general surgeon at Episcopal Health Services, told Fox News Digital.
While older adults usually start treatment within a month of symptoms appearing, it takes an average of seven months for younger people to go from symptoms to treatment. (Stock)
“We see a combination of lifestyle and environmental exposures, including diet and changes in the gut microbiome, that may play a role,” said Gordon, who was not involved in the study.
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR HEALTH PAPER
Older adults often start treatment within a month of first symptoms — but younger adults face an average delay of seven months before receiving care.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLES
Pathiyil noted that primary care providers often dismiss red flag symptoms in young people — such as rectal discharge or changes in bowel habits — as serious conditions like hemorrhoids.
Experts say it could get worse in the long run if we don’t change what we’re doing now. (Stock)
“If something doesn’t feel right, or if you experience symptoms such as rectal bleeding (bright red or dark), persistent changes in bowel habits (including diarrhea or constipation), small stools, a feeling of incomplete bowel movements, abdominal pain, weight loss or unexplained fatigue, it’s important to see your doctor,” says Gordont.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
The findings suggest that current screening techniques may need to be re-evaluated, according to Pathiyil.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS PROGRAM
“Our research shows that breast cancer causes an increase in skin cancer,” he added.
“It could be worse in the long run if we don’t change what we’re doing right now.”
