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Alarming Rise in Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer in India
10 Dec
Summary
- Nearly one-third of patients at Kidwai Institute were under 45.
- Younger patients often diagnosed with aggressive subtypes.
- Average diagnosis age in Bengaluru is 50, a decade younger than Western.
- Changing diets and genetics may contribute to the rise.
Colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting younger individuals in India, with a new study revealing that almost one in three patients at the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology were diagnosed before the age of 45. This represents a substantial shift from historical trends where colorectal cancer was primarily seen in older adults.
Researchers found that these young-onset cases are often more aggressive, presenting with advanced disease and poorer prognoses. The average age of diagnosis in Bengaluru has dropped to 50, a marked decrease compared to the Western average of 60. This rapid change underscores a growing public health concern.
While the exact causes remain under investigation, potential contributing factors include westernized dietary patterns, enhanced diagnostic capabilities, and a possible genetic predisposition in some young patients. The findings strongly advocate for enhanced clinical awareness and the implementation of earlier screening protocols for India's younger population.
